7/31/2015 Wolverine Fire smoke in the Lake Chelan area

The Wolverine fire has seen increased activity with the return of warmer weather and is causing smoke impacts in the local area. Heavy smoke in areas near the fire, such as Lucerne, Holden, and Stehekin, is expected. Although smoke also likes to settle on the lake, especially at night and in the early morning, so will drift down lake towards Manson and Chelan.

See the table at the end of this post for a technique to estimate air quality conditions in remote areas when you are not near a monitor.

More on the Wolverine fire including evacuation notices is available at the link:  http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/4354/

Wolverine Fire Location

Wolverine Fire Smoke Plume (taken 7/30/2015)

Since wildfires often occur in remote areas, air monitoring equipment may not be available. The following table provides a quick method to assess air quality in your area. For more detailed information you can go to the following site: http://www.deq.state.or.us/aq/burning/wildfires/visibility.htm
Using the 5-3-1 Visibility Index
Distance you can see*	You are:			You have:
	·  An adult ·  A teenager ·  An older child	·  Age 65 and over ·  Pregnant ·  A young child	OR	·  Asthma ·  Respiratory illness ·  Lung or heart disease
5 miles	check visibility	minimize outdoor activity
3 miles	minimize outdoor activity	stay inside
1 miles	stay inside	stay inside
*No matter how far you can see, if you feel like you are having health effects from smoke exposure, take extra care to stay inside or get to an area with better air quality.  You should also see your doctor or other health professional as needed.