Air Quality Forecast - Chelan and Methow Valley Fires August 20, 2015

Air Quality Forecast - Chelan Lake & Methow Valley Fires       Thursday, August 20, 2015

Prepared by:   Andrea Holland (andreahollandsears@gmail.com) & Carolyn Kelly (ckelly8384@gmail.com)

Thursday:  Increased fire activity from multiple fires in Central Washington could create widespread smoke or hazy conditions throughout the area.  Chelan and Manson will see some relief from smoke throughout the morning.  However, as fire activity increases with warming temperatures and gusty winds, smoke may settle into these areas becoming heaviest between mid-afternoon and into the evening.  The Methow Valley will likely see smoke throughout the day.   Smoke will remain in Leavenworth and Wenatchee throughout the morning; clearing by mid to late afternoon. Friday:  Similar conditions seen Thursday in Chelan and Manson will occur on Friday.  Air quality in these communities may worsen by early evening.  Overall air quality in the Methow Valley, Leavenworth and Wenatchee should be good through the morning changing to smokier conditions through the afternoon as fire activity picks up. Saturday: Air quality in Chelan and Manson will remain in the unhealthy range.  Diminished winds will also allow smoke to linger in the Methow Valley, Leavenworth and Wenatchee clearing somewhat by mid-afternoon.
Site	August 20 Air quality -Today		August 21 Air Quality - Fri	August 22 Air Quality - Sat	Comments
Chelan	Moderate		Unhealthy	Unhealthy	Greater fire potential through Friday will result in more smoke with nearby communities most affected. Drift smoke will result in hazy conditions in the Columbia Basin.
	Unhealthy		V. Unhealthy
Manson	Moderate		Unhealthy	Unhealthy
	Unhealthy		V.Unhealthy
Methow Valley	Unhealthy		Unhealthy	USG
Leavenworth	Good		Good	USG
			USG
Wenatchee	Good		Good	USG
			USG
Disclaimer: Conditions may change quickly. These predictions are based on anticipated weather and fire activity.  The air quality outlook is based on data from automated instruments that have not been subjected to a quality assurance review. AQI’s estimated for sites with air monitors.
Index Levels of Health Concern		Actions Recommended by WA Department of Ecology to Reduce Smoke Exposure
Good		None
Moderate		People with asthma, respiratory infection, diabetes, lung or heart disease, or have had a stroke should limit outdoor activities or do activities that take less effort, such as walking instead of running.
Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups		Sensitive groups include people with heart or lung disease, asthma, diabetes, infants, children, adults older than 65, pregnant women, or who have had a stroke.  These people should limit time spent outdoors.
Unhealthy		Everyone should limit time spent outdoors. Everyone should avoid exercising outdoors (including sports teams) and choose non-strenuous indoor activities. People with asthma, respiratory infection, diabetes, lung or heart disease, or have had a stroke should stay indoors. Infants, children, pregnant women and adults over age 65 should also stay indoors.
Very Unhealthy		Everyone should stay indoors, do only light activities, and keep windows closed if it is not too hot. Run air conditioners on re-circulate and close the outside air intake. Use indoor air cleaners with HEPA filters, if available. If you must be outdoors, wear an N-95 respirator mask. People with chronic diseases should check with their health care provider before wearing a mask. Check with your local health department for health information. People with asthma, lung and heart disease, or have had a stroke should check with their health care provider for advice about leaving the area. Anyone with shortness of breath, wheezing, chest pain, heart palpitations, extreme fatigue, or difficulty moving or speaking should call their health care provider or call 911.
Hazardous		Everyone should stay indoors, do only light activities, and keep windows closed if it is not too hot. Run air conditioners on re-circulate and close the outside air intake. Use indoor air cleaners with HEPA filters, if available. If you must be outdoors, wear an N-95 respirator mask. People with chronic diseases should check with their health care provider before wearing a mask. Check with your local health department for health information. People with asthma, lung and heart disease, or have had a stroke should check with their health care provider for advice about leaving the area. Anyone with shortness of breath, wheezing, chest pain, heart palpitations, extreme fatigue, or difficulty moving or speaking should call their health care provider or call 911.

Webcam looking up Lake Chelan  http://www.fsvisimages.com/fstemplate.aspx?site=okwe3_fire1                    

For more information about smoke in Washington State, visit http://wasmoke.blogspot.com/