6/29/15 Fires Impacting Air Quality in Wenatchee

Early morning rains helped to douse some of the Sleepy Hollow wildfire, but smoke will be seen until all fires are completely out. 

Residents can check air quality in their communities at the Department of Ecology’s Air Monitoring Page:  https://fortress.wa.gov/ecy/enviwa/Default.htm

Several businesses and homes have burned or are burning and still emitting smoke, some containing hazardous chemicals.  Reports in the Wenatchee World indicate that ammonia leaks are contained.  Updates may be found at www.wenatcheeworld.com

Forecast:   There is a Red Flag Warning* in effect for most of Central and Eastern Washington

http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/otx/              

*Red Flag Warning – Issued by the National Weather Service when conditions exist that could lead to rapid or increased wildfire activity.

Very dry fuels, low relative humidity, and strong winds make for more extreme fire weather.  Several lightning strikes from the weather system have led to new fire starts.  Everything is pretty small at this time but we’re keeping an eye on the smoke.  Please continue to check local forecasts and news sources for fire information.

As crews put out the structure fires the smoke production should decrease.  If you live downwind of the fire(s) you can expect intermittent smoke as strong wind speeds may keep smoke at breathing level until all  fires are out.  By this evening, air quality could return to good or moderate.

For more information and guidelines: 

Use the tabs on this webpage such as “Smoke and Health,” etc.

Department of Ecology Air Monitoring Page:  https://fortress.wa.gov/ecy/enviwa/Default.htm