Air Quality Forecast - Chelan and Methow Valley Fires August 24, 2015

Air Quality Summary Report   -  Chelan and Methow Valley Fires     Monday, August 24, 2015

Prepared by: Carolyn Kelly, Air Resource Advisor Trainee (ckelly8384@gmail.com) 

Andrea Holland, Air Resource Advisor (andreahollandsears@gmail.com)

Note: The Manson monitoring site has been inoperative for the last week caused by a malfunction in the instrument.  Please refer to information provided from the Chelan monitor for estimating impacts to Manson.   Monday: Greater fire activity is expected again today. Chelan will see varying levels of smoke throughout the day with higher concentrations in the evening into tomorrow.  After heavier periods of smoke in the morning, Manson may see some increased visibility in the afternoon but heavy smoke may return in the evening.  Leavenworth and Wenatchee will start off at higher levels but may see some decrease as the day goes on. Smoke will be heaviest in Twisp and Winthrop in the morning with some decreases in the late evening into tomorrow, but remaining unhealthy. Tuesday:  Chelan, Manson, Winthrop, and Twisp are not likely to see much relief from smoke. Leavenworth and Wenatchee areas should see a decrease in smoke. Wednesday: Smoke may lift but still be prevalent for Chelan, Winthrop, and Twisp areas. Leavenworth and Wenatchee areas may see an increase in smoke throughout the day.
Site		August 24 Air quality -Mon	August 25 Air Quality – Tues	August 26 Air Quality - Wed	Comments
Chelan		Unhealthy	Unhealthy	USG	Manson will see heavier concentrations compared to Chelan. Expect to see varying levels of smoke throughout the day.
Winthrop		Unhealthy	Unhealthy	Unhealthy
Twisp		Unhealthy	Unhealthy	Unhealthy
Leavenworth		Unhealthy	Moderate	Moderate	Conditions may change based on fire activity.
		USG
Wenatchee		Unhealthy	Moderate	Moderate	Conditions may change based on fire activity.
		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, avoid exercising outside (including sports teams) and choose non-strenuous indoor activities. Those with asthma, respiratory infection, diabetes, lung or heart disease, or have had a stroke should stay indoors as should iInfants, children, pregnant women and adults over age 65.
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/