9/26/12 ECOLOGY NEWS RELEASE: Smoke creeping back in after day of respite

Washington Department of Ecology news

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – Sept. 26, 2012

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Smoke creeping back in after day of respite

            YAKIMA – Wenatchee and Cashmere enjoyed relatively clean air for about half a day before smoke from the area wildfires returned Tuesday evening, according to the Washington Department of Ecology. Smoke is also lingering elsewhere in Eastern Washington.

           Wednesday morning, Cashmere is recording hazardous air quality levels, while Wenatchee crept into the unhealthy range. Air quality in Entiat, Pateros and Trout Lake, near Mount Adams, is unhealthy for sensitive groups. It is of moderate concern in Chelan and Ellensburg.

            Other monitors along the east slopes of the Cascades are recording good air. The Columbia Basin has a mixture of air quality conditions. In some areas, the air is troublesome for children and those with respiratory ailments or the elderly. In other areas, air quality is good to moderate, with many sites showing little fluctuation since Tuesday.

            The forecast predicting strong nighttime inversions remains on track, with above normal daytime temperatures and light winds. The greatest smoke accumulations will be near the fires while other areas in Eastern Washington will experience lingering smoke.

            Light east winds will return Thursday and it may bring some smoke from Idaho wildfires to the Palouse, Clarkston and Spokane. In general, expect some smoke impacts in the morning and nighttime, with some afternoon clearing in most of Eastern Washington.

            On Friday night, a weakening front will bring some clouds and winds, helping to disperse smoke somewhat. Stagnant conditions could return over the weekend due to a strong ridge of high pressure. There is the possibility that east winds will bring smoke from Idaho fires to the far eastern parts of the state, and some Washington wildfire smoke to the western part of the state.

            Gov. Chris Gregoire has extended a burn ban on all outdoor burning in eastern Washington through midnight Sunday. You can find news and information about smoke and wildfires from a variety of state, local and federal agencies on a new blog, http://wasmoke.blogspot.com/.

The National Weather Service issued an Air Quality Alert for all of Eastern Washington: http://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=otx&wwa=air%20quality%20alert

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Media Contact: Joye Redfield-Wilder, Communications Manager, 509-575-2610; joye.redfield-wilder@ecy.wa.gov

More information:

·         Joint blog on wildfire smoke and related information:  http://wasmoke.blogspot.com

·         Check for air quality monitoring information:  http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/air/air_monitoring_data/WAQA_Intro_Page.html

·         Washington Department of Health smoke information:  http://www.doh.wa.gov/Newsroom.aspx

Ecology’s website: http://www.ecy.wa.gov

Ecology’s social media: http://www.ecy.wa.gov/about/newmedia.html

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Broadcast version

Wenatchee and Cashmere enjoyed relatively clean air for about half a day before smoke from the area wildfires returned Tuesday evening. A building ridge will cause a return to stagnant conditions through Friday.

Wednesday morning, Cashmere is recording hazardous air quality levels, while Wenatchee crept into the unhealthy range. Air quality in Entiat, Pateros and Trout Lake, near Mount Adams, is unhealthy for sensitive groups, and of moderate concern in Chelan and Ellensburg.

Strong nighttime inversions and light winds will ensure smoke hangs around over the next few days, though some partial clearing is expected most afternoons. A weak front will help dispersion on Friday night.

9/26/12 Wildfire Smoke Forecast 0800 PDT

9-26-12 Air Monitor Update 0800 PDT

Central Region, Ecology Air Quality Report                  Chelan County monitor locations: Wenatchee- “Unhealthy” Leavenworth- “Good” Chelan- “Moderate”                Okanogan County monitor locations: Omak - “Good” Winthrop – “Good” Twisp-  “Good”                Kittitas County monitor location: Ellensburg- “Moderate” Yakima County monitor location: Yakima- “Good” White Swan- “Good” Toppenish- “Good”                Klickitat County monitor location: Goldendale- “Good”   Eastern Region, Ecology Air Quality Report Blue Mt. Area Clarkston  -  moderate Dayton  -   good Walla Walla  -  good Palouse Area Pullman  -  moderate Rosalia  -  moderate LaCrosse  -  moderate Northeast Colville  -  unhealthy for sensitive groups Wellpinit  -  unhealthy for sensitive groups

USDA FOREST SERVICE Air Quality Report            Chelan County monitor location: Wenatchee- (Confluence Park)- “Unhealthy” Cashmere- “Hazardous” Entiat- “Unhealthy for sensitive groups” Okanogan County* (new) Pateros- “Unhealthy for sensitive groups”            Grant County monitor location: Quincy-  Good“”           Kittitas County monitor location: Cle Elum- “Good” Klickitat County*(new) Trout Lake- “Unhealthy for sensitive groups”             Eastern cont., Ecology Air Quality Report Columbia Basin Kennewick  -  good Mesa  - unhealthy for sensitive groups Moses Lake  - unhealthy for sensitive groups Ritzville  - unhealthy for sensitive groups Spokane Area Spokane, - unhealthy for Sensitive groups Liberty Lake - unhealthy for Sensitive Groups

Another very useful webpage for grab hourly and 24 hour data, Puget Sound Clean Air and their air quality tool: http://airgraphing.pscleanair.org/

Remember the Eastern Washington Burn Ban remains effective through Sunday, September, 30, 2012.

 

9/26/12 Wildfire Smoke Forecast 0800 PDT

Air Quality forecast, 8AM Wednesday 26 September 2012
Issued by Ranil Dhammapala, Washington State Dept. of Ecology

Wenatchee enjoyed relatively clean air for about half a day before smoke impacts returned last evening. Cashmere enjoyed clean air for a little longer than that, but spread over two installments. Presently Cashmere is recording Hazardous air, while air in Wenatchee is Unhealthy. Entiat, Pateros and Trout Lake are recording Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups, Chelan and Ellensburg are recording Moderate air, while other monitors along the east slopes of the Cascades are recording Good air. The Columbia Basin has a mixture of Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups, Moderate and Good areas, with many sites showing little fluctuation since yesterday.
Yesterday's forecast is still pretty much on track, with strong nighttime inversions, above normal daytime temperatures and light winds (mostly terrain-driven). Largest smoke impacts are expected near the fires while most other areas in eastern WA get impacted by smoke sloshing around. Light east winds return on Thursday and it is possible that these may bring some smoke from Idaho wildfires to the Palouse, Clarkston and Spokane. In general, expect some smoke impacts in the morning and nighttime, with some afternoon clearing in most places.
A weakening front is expected to do no more than increase clouds and winds on Friday night, but at least this will help with smoke dispersion. Strong ridging is expected over the weekend, implying a return to stagnant conditions and even the possibility of east winds bringing ID wildfire smoke to the far eastern parts of the state and a little WA wildfire smoke to western WA. This bears watching.
The National Weather Service issued an Air Quality Alert for all of eastern Washington:

http://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=otx&wwa=air%20quality%20alert
The Governor has extended a burn ban on all outdoor burning in eastern Washington through midnight Sunday.

 

Ecology Air Quality Monitoring Network Map: https://fortress.wa.gov/ecy/enviwa/Default.ltr.aspx

  -note, click on the dots and you can then click on View more information to find out the latest hourly values even if the dot is grey

 

 

 

9/25/12 Air quality improves for some short-lived relief

Washington Department of Ecology news

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – Sept. 25, 2012

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Air quality improves for some short-lived relief 

 YAKIMA – For the first time in nearly two weeks, none of the air quality monitors in the state are recording hazardous conditions. Pateros comes precariously close, though, with air quality there degraded today while other nearby sites showed improvement in response to a passing front.

            Meteorological data in the area show winds picking up, but the sheltered location of Pateros probably resulted in smoke pooling in the area.

Trout Lake, Winthrop, Omak, Chelan and Entiat remain unhealthy, while Wenatchee, Cashmere, Twisp, White Swan and Toppenish, registering unhealthy for sensitive groups, are clearing out quite well.

Ellensburg, Cle Elum, Quincy, Leavenworth and Yakima all have good air. Sites around the Columbia Basin vary from good to unhealthy for sensitive groups.

A front passing through Eastern Washington right now should help keep smoke levels in check through this evening, according to Ecology meteorologist Ranil Dhammapala.

            “Sadly this improvement is short lived: a building ridge will cause a return to stagnant conditions through Friday,” Dhammapala said. “Strong nighttime inversions and light winds will ensure smoke sloshes around and causes the kind of impacts we have been living with over the last two weeks.”

            Mild east winds return on Thursday and it is possible that these may bring some smoke from Idaho wildfires to the Palouse/ Clarkston areas. In general, expect some smoke impacts in the morning and nighttime, with some afternoon clearing in most places.

            There is no significant precipitation in the five-day forecast. Slight increases in wind speeds on Friday should help with dispersion in Eastern Washington.

            A few areas in the south Puget Sound, Southwest Washington and the Olympic Peninsula might have smelled a whiff of smoke yesterday morning as the inversion broke, but not enough to degrade air quality much. Wildfire smoke is not expected to push west of the Cascades, but with light winds over the next few days, expect a slight buildup of locally and regionally generated pollutants.

            The Governor has extended a burn ban on all outdoor burning in eastern Washington through midnight Sunday.

You can find news and information about smoke and wildfires from a variety of state, local and federal agencies on a new blog, http://wasmoke.blogspot.com/.

The National Weather Service issued an Air Quality Alert for all of eastern Washington: http://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=otx&wwa=air%20quality%20alert

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Media Contact: Joye Redfield-Wilder, Communications Manager, 509-575-2610; joye.redfield-wilder@ecy.wa.gov

Ecology’s website: http://www.ecy.wa.gov

Ecology’s social media: http://www.ecy.wa.gov/about/newmedia.html

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Broadcast version

After nearly two weeks many communities in Central Washington are experiencing some relief from area wildfire smoke.

No air quality monitors in the state are registering in the hazardous zone. But the reprieve may be short lived, the Department of Ecology says.

A building ridge will cause a return to stagnant conditions through Friday.

Strong nighttime inversions and light winds will ensure smoke sloshes around, causing the kind of impacts we have been living with over the last two weeks.

9/25/12 Wildfire Smoke Forecast 0800 PDT

Air Monitor Update 0800 PDT

              

Central Region, Ecology Air Quality Report                  Chelan County monitor locations: Wenatchee- “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” Leavenworth- “Good” Chelan- “Unhealthy”            Okanogan County monitor locations: Omak - “Unhealthy” Winthrop – “Unhealthy” Twisp-  “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups”                Kittitas County monitor location: Ellensburg- “Good” Yakima County monitor location: Yakima- “Good” White Swan- “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” Toppenish- “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups”                Klickitat County monitor location: Goldendale- “Good”   Eastern Region, Ecology Air Quality Report Blue Mt. Area Clarkston  -  unhealthy for sensitive groups Dayton  -   good Walla Walla  -  moderate Palouse Area Pullman  -  moderate Rosalia  -  good LaCrosse  -  good Northeast Colville  -  unhealthy for sensitive groups Wellpinit  -  moderate

USDA FOREST SERVICE Air Quality Report         Chelan County monitor location: Wenatchee- (Confluence Park)- “moderate” Cashmere- “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” Entiat- “Unhealthy” Okanogan County* (new) Pateros- “Very Unhealthy”            Grant County monitor location: Quincy-  Good“”           Kittitas County monitor location: Cle Elum- “Good” Klickitat County*(new) Trout Lake- “Unhealthy”           Eastern cont., Ecology Air Quality Report Columbia Basin Kennewick  -  moderate Mesa  - moderate Moses Lake  - unhealthy for sensitive groups Ritzville  - moderate Spokane Area Spokane, - unhealthy for sensitive groups Liberty Lake - unhealthy for sensitive groups

Another very useful webpage for grab hourly and 24 hour data, Puget Sound Clean Air and their air quality tool: http://airgraphing.pscleanair.org/

Remember the Eastern Washington Burn Ban remains effective through Sunday, September, 30, 2012.
Information Clearing House for Wildfire Information Updates: http://wasmoke.blogspot.com/

9/25/12 Wildfire Smoke Forecast 0800 PDT

Air Quality forecast, 8AM Tuesday 25 September 2012
Issued by Ranil Dhammapala, Washington State Dept. of Ecology

For the first time in nearly two weeks, none of the monitors in the state are recording Hazardous conditions. Pateros comes precariously close though- air quality there degraded somewhat yesterday and today while other nearby sites show an improvement in response to the passing front. Meteorological data in the area show winds picking up, but the sheltered location of Pateros probably resulted in smoke pooling in the area. Trout Lake, Winthrop, Omak, Chelan and Entiat remain Unhealthy, while Wenatchee, Cashmere, Twisp, White Swan and Toppenish (Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups) are clearing out quite well. Ellensburg, Cle Elum, Quincy, Leavenworth and Yakima all have Good air. Sites around the Columbia Basin vary from Good to Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups.

A front passing through eastern WA right now should help keep smoke levels in check through this evening. But sadly this improvement is short lived: a building ridge will cause a return to stagnant conditions through Friday. Strong nighttime inversions and light winds will ensure smoke sloshes around and causes the kind of impacts we have been living with over the last 2 weeks. Mild east winds return on Thursday and it is possible that these may bring some smoke from Idaho wildfires to the Palouse/ Clarkston areas. In general, expect some smoke impacts in the morning and nighttime, with some afternoon clearing in most places.

No significant precipitation in the 5-day forecast. Slight increases in wind speeds on Friday should help with dispersion in eastern WA.

A few areas in the south Puget Sound, SW Washington and the Olympic Peninsula might have smelled a whiff of smoke last morning as the inversion broke, but not enough to degrade air quality much. Wildfire smoke is not expected to push west of the Cascades, but with light winds over the next few days, expect a slight buildup of locally and regionally generated pollutants.

The National Weather Service issued an Air Quality Alert for all of eastern Washington:
http://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=otx&wwa=air%20quality%20alert

The Governor has extended a burn ban on all outdoor burning in eastern Washington through midnight Sunday.

 

Ecology Air Quality Monitoring Network Map: https://fortress.wa.gov/ecy/enviwa/Default.ltr.aspx

  -note, click on the dots and you can then click on View more information to find out the latest hourly values even if the dot is grey

 

 

 

9-24-12 1800 Governor Extends Burn Ban

The Governor's Office issued the following news release late Monday:

 

Gov. Gregoire extends Eastern Washington burn ban

OLYMPIA – Gov. Chris Gregoire tonight extended a burn ban for all counties east of the Cascade crest, prohibiting all outdoor burning through midnight Sunday, Sept. 30. An emergency proclamation declaring a State of Emergency remains in effect, and allows continued air support from Washington's National Guard to help fight ongoing wildfires.

"One reason firefighters have been able to start gaining ground is because they're not being diverted to additional, human-caused fires," Gregoire said. "With the warm, dry conditions expected to continue through at least next weekend, fire danger remains very high. I appreciate the cooperation of Washingtonians who have refrained from burning, and recognize that fire crews need our support and help to keep people safe and protect property."

The burn ban prohibits all outdoor burning, including but not limited to:

• Campfires
• Bonfires
• Residential yard debris clean-up, trash disposal, land clearing, weed abatement and agricultural burning activity
• Ignition of fireworks.

Liquid fueled or gas-fueled stoves are permitted provided the use is conducted over a non-flammable surface and at least five feet from flammable vegetation. Charcoal grills are permitted at private residences under the same conditions.

The proclamation issued by the governor:

• Directs state agencies and departments to continue to utilize state resources and to do everything reasonably possible to assist affected political subdivisions in an effort to respond to and recover from the fires;
• Notes the order into active state service of the organized militia of Washington state, to include the National Guard and the State Guard remains in effect; and
• Instructs the Washington State Emergency Operations Center to continue to coordinate all event-related assistance to the affected areas.

Meanwhile, Gregoire continues to urge Washingtonians to protect themselves from smoke-filled air. The state's Department of Ecology is monitoring air quality across Washington state. Today, air quality in Central Washington is "unhealthy" for everyone. And in both Wenatchee and Ellensburg air quality is worse and registers as "hazardous" and "very unhealthy" respectively. Pateros and Entiat also are reporting "very unhealthy" air.

Farther south of Toppenish, and in much of Eastern Washington, residents are experiencing air quality that is "unhealthy for sensitive groups" such as the elderly, very young children and people with breathing difficulties, heart disease or lung disease. Today Walla Walla and the Tri-Cities are enjoying a reprieve from unhealthy air.

Light winds over the Cascades today are not expected to help much with smoke in the hard-hit communities. Computer models predict some moderate winds later today, which could lead to good dispersion in Ellensburg, Leavenworth and the Methow Valley.

To check for air quality monitoring information, visit: http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/air/air_monitoring_data/WAQA_Intro_Page.html

Meanwhile, the Washington State Department of Health is providing answers to frequently asked questions about wildfire smoke here: http://www.doh.wa.gov/CommunityandEnvironment/AirQuality/OutdoorAir/SmokeFromFires.aspx

9/24/12 1330 Experimental Smoke Dispersion Forecasts Now Available

Starting today (September 24, 2012), a daily report summarizing predictions of smoke impacts for eastern Washington from the BlueSky Framework, an experimental smoke dispersion modeling system, will be posted on the WAsmoke blog. The predictions are for informational purposes only because many approximations are used which leads to a high degree of uncertainty in the results.

The image below is an example of output from the BlueSky Framework and depicts predicted smoke impacts from the Washington fires at 4PM PDT today, September 24. The colors do NOT correspond to the Washington Air Quality Advisory values. Rather, greens indicate low smoke concentrations, yellow and orange are moderate concentrations, and red and purple are high concentrations. A full report can be found at the  Experimental Smoke Model Predictions link on this page under "OTHER RESOURCES."

9/24/12 Air quality still 'hazardous' or 'very unhealthy' from top to near bottom of Central Washington

Washington Department of Ecology news

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – Sept. 24, 2012

Air quality still ‘hazardous’ or ‘very unhealthy’ from top to near bottom of Central Washington 

            SPOKANE – From Winthrop and Okanogan to Toppenish, air quality in Central Washington is “unhealthy” for everyone today. And in both Wenatchee and Ellensburg air quality is worse and registers as “hazardous” and “very unhealthy” respectively. Pateros and Entiat also are reporting “very unhealthy” air.               
Farther south of Toppenish, and in much of Eastern Washington, residents are experiencing air quality that is “unhealthy for sensitive groups” such as the elderly, very young children and people with breathing difficulties, heart disease or lung disease. Today Walla Walla and the Tri-Cities are enjoying a reprieve from unhealthy air.

Light winds over the Cascades today are not expected to help much with smoke in the hard-hit communities. Computer models predict some moderate winds later today, which could lead to good dispersion in Ellensburg, Leavenworth and the Methow Valley.

All residents in the Wenatchee and Ellensburg areas should stay indoors and curtail their physical activities both indoors and outside. Doors and windows should remain closed. In the remainder of Central and Eastern Washington, common sense precautions should be taken by everyone, but sensitive groups, such as children, the elderly and heart patients, are particularly vulnerable.

The biggest health threat comes from the fine particles in smoke. These can cause burning eyes, runny nose, bronchitis and other illnesses. Smoky air also can aggravate heart and lung diseases, and even lead to death.

The Washington State Department of Health is providing answers to frequently asked questions about wildfire smoke.

Weather systems over the weekend in Eastern Washington did cause some dispersion and didn’t set off new wildfires, but they also transported some smoke from central Idaho wildfires further west into Washington.

You can find news and information about smoke and wildfires from a variety of state, local and federal agencies on a new blog, http://wasmoke.blogspot.com/.

Central Washington University is providing information for students and their families online.

The National Weather Service has issued an Air Quality Alert for much of eastern Washington.

Gov. Gregoire has issued a burn ban in Eastern Washington, which is in effect until midnight Monday.

Media Contact: Jani Gilbert, Communications Manager, 509-329-3495; cell, 509-990-9177; jani.gilbert@ecy.wa.gov.

Joint blog on wildfire smoke and related information: http://wasmoke.blogspot.com

Check for air quality monitoring information: http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/air/air_monitoring_data/WAQA_Intro_Page.html

Washington Department of Health smoke information: http://www.doh.wa.gov/Newsroom.aspx

Frequently asked questions about wildfire smoke: http://www.doh.wa.gov/CommunityandEnvironment/AirQuality/OutdoorAir/SmokeFromFires/FrequentlyaskedQuestionsaboutWildfireSmoke.aspx

Central Washington University information: http://www.cwu.edu/table-mountain-fire

Read the Governor’s emergency declaration: http://www.governor.wa.gov/news/news-view.asp?pressRelease=1967&newsType=1

National Weather Service Air Quality Alert: http://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=otx&wwa=air%20quality%20alert

Ecology’s website: http://www.ecy.wa.gov

Ecology’s social media: http://www.ecy.wa.gov/about/newmedia.html

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Broadcast version

From Winthrop and Okanogan to Toppenish, air quality in Central Washington is “unhealthy” today.  And air quality is registers as “hazardous” in Wenatchee and “very unhealthy” in Ellensburg.  Pateros and Entiat also are reporting “very unhealthy” conditions.

All residents in the Wenatchee and Ellensburg areas should stay indoors and curtail their physical activities both indoors and outside. Doors and windows should remain closed.

Farther south of Toppenish, and in much of Eastern Washington today, air quality rates as “unhealthy for sensitive groups” such as the elderly, young children and people with breathing difficulties.

People can keep tabs on smoke at wa-smoke-dot-blogspot-dot- com.

Jani Gilbert

Dept. of Ecology

Communications Manager, Eastern Regional Office

9/24/12 Wildfire Smoke Forecast 0800 PDT

Air Quality forecast, 8AM Monday 24 September 2012
Issued by Ranil Dhammapala, Washington State Dept. of Ecology
Air quality in Cashmere and Wenatchee remain Hazardous, while Pateros, Entiat and Ellensburg are reporting Very Unhealthy air. Trout Lake, Quincy, Leavenworth, Omak, Chelan, the Methow, Yakima and Toppenish have Unhealthy air. White Swan, Goldendale and Cle Elum are recording Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups. Air in the southern part of the Columbia Basin appears good at present, while most other monitors in the Basin, with a few exceptions are in the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups category.
The weather systems over the weekend that were supposed to alleviate some smoke in eastern WA also got up to a little mischief in the process. While they did cause some dispersion and desisted from sparking off new wildfires, they also transported some smoke from central Idaho wildfires further west which then mixed to the surface in eastern WA after the inversion broke. These impacts appear to have persisted throughout the day in a lot of eastern WA. Some smoke from WA wildfires was pushed up against the Cascades and impacted the communities at the eastern foothills once the drainage flows started and easterly winds let up.
Light winds over the Cascades today are not expected to do a whole lot to help with smoke in the hard-hit communities. That said the models are advertizing some moderate winds near the gaps along I90 and Hwy2 starting later today. If it pans out, this could lead to good dispersion in Ellensburg, Leavenworth and the Methow, but also risks limiting plume rise. Flow is most W-NW which pushes smoke into the Columbia Basin. But how far southeast into the Basin it will travel before turning NE (under a SW flow regime), is uncertain. This could lead to smoke impacts in the Spokane area too. The Yakima valley might get off lightly today, but parts of Klickitat County could see a little bit of smoke from the Mt. Adams fire.
Models are backing off on the strength of the low pressure systems that were expected to bring some cooling and spotty rainfall to the northern counties. No strong winds in the forecast through this week, though some clearing is expected east of the Cascades Tuesday afternoon.
Western WA did not see enough vertical mixing to transport this smoke to the surface. No air quality issues are expected in Western WA over the coming days.
The National Weather Service issued an Air Quality Alert for much of eastern Washington:
http://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=otx&wwa=air%20quality%20alert
The Governor has issued an emergency proclamation for all of eastern Washington:
http://www.governor.wa.gov/news/news-view.asp?pressRelease=1967&newsType=1

Washington Air Quality Advisory (WAQA) Chart:

https://fortress.wa.gov/ecy/enviwa/App_AQI/AQI.en-US.pdf

Ecology Air Quality Monitoring Network Map: https://fortress.wa.gov/ecy/enviwa/Default.ltr.aspx

  -note, click on the dots and you can then click on View more information to find out the latest hourly values even if the dot is grey

 

 

              

Central Region, Ecology Air Quality Report                  Chelan County monitor locations: Wenatchee- “Hazardous” Leavenworth- “Unhealthy” Chelan- “Unhealthy”                Okanogan County monitor locations: Omak - “Unhealthy” Winthrop – “Unhealthy” Twisp-  “Unhealthy”                Kittitas County monitor location: Ellensburg- “Very Unhealthy” Yakima County monitor location: Yakima- “Unhealthy” White Swan- “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” Toppenish- “Unhealthy”                Klickitat County monitor location: Goldendale- “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups”   Eastern Region, Ecology Air Quality Report Blue Mt. Area Clarkston  -  unhealthy for sensitive groups Dayton  -   good Walla Walla  -  good Palouse Area Pullman  -  unhealthy for sensitive groups Rosalia  -  unhealthy for sensitive groups LaCrosse  -  unhealthy for sensitive groups Northeast                     Colville  -  unhealthy for sensitive groups Wellpinit  -  unhealthy

USDA FOREST SERVICE Air Quality Report            Chelan County monitor location: Wenatchee- (Confluence Park)- “Unhealthy” Cashmere- “Hazardous” Entiat- “Unhealthy” Okanogan County* (new) Pateros- “Very Unhealthy”            Grant County monitor location: Quincy-  “Unhealthy”           Kittitas County monitor location: Cle Elum- “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” Klickitat County*(new) Trout Lake- “Unhealthy”           Eastern cont., Ecology Air Quality Report Columbia Basin Kennewick  -  good Mesa  - unhealthy for sensitive groups Moses Lake  - unhealthy for sensitive groups Ritzville  - unhealthy for sensitive groups Spokane Area Spokane, - “Unhealthy for Sensitive groups” Liberty Lake- “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups

Another very useful webpage for grab hourly and 24 hour data, Puget Sound Clean Air and their air quality tool: http://airgraphing.pscleanair.org/

Remember the Eastern Washington Burn Ban remains effective through Monday, September, 24, 2012.http://www.governor.wa.gov/news/news-view.asp?pressRelease=1967&newsType=1

9-23-12 0845 Ecology Air Quality Update and Weather Forecast

Washington Department of Ecology news

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – Sept. 23, 2012

12-319

Air quality still ‘hazardous’ in Wenatchee area, but some communities see improvement

OLYMPIA – The Wenatchee, Pateros and Cashmere areas have seen slight clearing in wildfire smoke, but air quality there still remains in the “hazardous” category, according to the Washington Department of Ecology (Ecology).

Other areas of Eastern Washington – such as Entiat, Quincy, Leavenworth, Chelan, Yakima, White Swan, and Toppenish – experienced some clearing, but still not enough to return to healthy air. Pullman and Clarkston also saw some much needed clearing Saturday evening, after an initial rise in pollution levels earlier in the day as the inversion broke and mixed some overhanging Idaho wildfire smoke to the surface. The threat of Idaho wildfire smoke has passed thanks to a wind shift. Ellensburg and Cle Elum experienced “good” air on Saturday, and should again today.

Omak and Twisp saw some increase in pollution levels as a weather system pushed a little smoke up those valleys. But conditions in those communities should improve somewhat today.

There are no reports of new fire starts from lightning strikes this morning, but a small chance of lightning remains until late today. Isolated light rainfall is forecast for several parts of the eastern Columbia Basin today as a low pressure system passes through the far eastern parts of the state, but not near the wildfires. While areas nearest to the wildfires will continue to see poor air quality, an increase in winds will help with smoke dispersion. Eastern Washington will continue to see some gradual improvement in air quality, though periodic impacts from drifting smoke are expected.

Some cooler temperatures along with a little bit of rain (mostly in the northern counties of Eastern Washington) are expected this week. This will further improve air quality. 

All residents in the Wenatchee area should stay indoors and curtail their physical activities both indoors and outside. Doors and windows should remain closed. In the remainder of the Yakima and Columbia Basin common sense precautions should be taken by everyone, but sensitive groups, such as children, the elderly and heart patients, are particularly vulnerable.

The biggest health threat comes from the fine particles in smoke. These can cause burning eyes, runny nose, bronchitis and other illnesses. Smoky air also can aggravate heart and lung diseases, and even lead to death.

You can find news and information about smoke and wildfires from a variety of state, local and federal agencies on a new blog.

Central Washington University is providing information for students and their families online.

The Washington State Department of Health is providing answers to frequently asked questions about wildfire smoke.

The National Weather Service has issued an Air Quality Alert for much of eastern Washington.

Gov. Gregoire has issued a burn ban in Eastern Washington, which is in effect until midnight Monday.

###

Media Contact: Seth Preston, Ecology communications manager, 360-584-5744 cell; seth.preston@ecy.wa.gov

Joint blog on wildfire smoke and related information: http://wasmoke.blogspot.com

Check for air quality monitoring information: www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/air/air_monitoring_data/WAQA_Intro_Page.html

Washington Department of Health smoke information: http://www.doh.wa.gov/Newsroom.aspx

Frequently asked questions about wildfire smoke: http://www.doh.wa.gov/CommunityandEnvironment/AirQuality/OutdoorAir/SmokeFromFires/FrequentlyaskedQuestionsaboutWildfireSmoke.aspx

Central Washington University information: http://www.cwu.edu/table-mountain-fire

Read the Governor’s emergency declaration: http://www.governor.wa.gov/news/news-view.asp?pressRelease=1967&newsType=1

National Weather Service Air Quality Alert: http://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=otx&wwa=air%20quality%20alert

Ecology’s website: http://www.ecy.wa.gov

Ecology’s social media: http://www.ecy.wa.gov/about/newmedia.html

 

Broadcast version

The Wenatchee, Pateros and Cashmere areas have seen slight clearing in wildfire smoke, but air quality there still remains in the “hazardous” category, according to the Department of Ecology.

Other areas of Eastern Washington experienced some clearing, but still not enough to return all of them to healthy air.

While areas nearest to the wildfires will continue to see poor air quality, a slight increase in winds will help with smoke dispersion. Eastern Washington will continue to see some gradual improvement in air quality, though periodic impacts from drifting smoke are expected.

 

9-23-12 0800 Ecology Daily forecast with Monitors

Air Quality forecast, 8AM Sunday 23 September 2012
Issued by Ranil Dhammapala, Washington State Dept. of Ecology

Wenatchee, Pateros and Cashmere saw a bit of clearing but air quality still remains Hazardous. Entiat, Quincy, Leavenworth, Chelan, Yakima, White Swan and Toppenish all experienced some clearing but still not enough to return to healthy air. Pullman and Clarkston also saw some much needed clearing in the evening, after an initial rise in pollution levels earlier in the day as the inversion broke and mixed some overhanging Idaho wildfire smoke to the surface. The threat of Idaho wildfire smoke has passed thanks to a wind shift. Ellensburg and Cle Elum saw Good air yesterday, and should stay that way today.
Omak and Twisp saw some increase in pollution levels as a weather system pushed a little smoke up those valleys, but should see a little improvement today.
There are no reports of new fire starts from lightning strikes as yet, but a small threat of lightning remains until tonight. Isolated light rainfall is forecast for several parts of the eastern Columbia Basin today as a low pressure system passes through the far eastern parts of the state, but not near the wildfires. While areas nearest to the wildfires will continue to see poor air, West/ Southwest winds will help with smoke dispersion. Eastern WA will continue to see some gradual improvement in air quality, though periodic impacts from drifting smoke are expected.
Some cooler temperatures and a little bit of rain (the latter mostly in the Northern counties of eastern WA) are forecast during the work week. This will further improve air quality.
No air quality issues are expected in Western WA over the coming days.
The National Weather Service issued an Air Quality Alert for much of eastern Washington through Monday evening:
http://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=otx&wwa=air%20quality%20alert
The Governor has issued an emergency proclamation for all of eastern Washington:
http://www.governor.wa.gov/news/news-view.asp?pressRelease=1967&newsType=1

Washington Air Quality Advisory (WAQA) Chart:

https://fortress.wa.gov/ecy/enviwa/App_AQI/AQI.en-US.pdf

Ecology Air Quality Monitoring Network Map: https://fortress.wa.gov/ecy/enviwa/Default.ltr.aspx

  -note, click on the dots and you can then click on View more information to find out the latest hourly values even if the dot is grey

              

Central Region, Ecology Air Quality Report                  Chelan County monitor locations: Wenatchee- “Hazardous” Leavenworth- “Moderate” Chelan- “Unhealthy”                Okanogan County monitor locations: Omak - “Unhealthy” Winthrop – “Unhealthy” Twisp-  “Unhealthy”                Kittitas County monitor location: Ellensburg- “Moderate” Yakima County monitor location: Yakima- “Good” White Swan- “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” Toppenish- “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups”                Klickitat County monitor location: Goldendale- “Good” <![if !vml]><![endif]>  Eastern Region, Ecology Air Quality Report Blue Mountain Area Clarkston  -  “ Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” Dayton  -   “Good” Walla Walla  -  “Good” Palouse Pullman  - “Good” Rosalia  - “Moderate” LaCrosse  -  “Good” Columbia Basin Kennewick  -  “Good” Mesa  - “Moderate” Moses Lake  - “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” Ritzville  -“Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups”

USDA FOREST SERVICE Air Quality Report            Chelan County monitor location: Wenatchee- (Confluence Park)- “Unhealthy” Cashmere- “Hazardous” Entiat- “Unhealthy” Okanogan County* (new) Pateros- “Hazardous”            Grant County monitor location: Quincy-  “Unhealthy”           Kittitas County monitor location: Cle Elum- “Good” Klickitat County*(new) Trout Lake- “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” <![if !vml]><![endif]>  Eastern cont., Ecology Air Quality Report                          Spokane Area Spokane “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” Liberty Lake- “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups Northeast Colville  -  “Moderate” Wellpinit  -  “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups”

Another very useful webpage for grab hourly and 24 hour data, Puget Sound Clean Air and their air quality tool: http://airgraphing.pscleanair.org/

Remember the Eastern Washington Burn Ban remains effective through Monday, September, 24, 2012.http://www.governor.wa.gov/news/news-view.asp?pressRelease=1967&newsType=1
Information Clearing House for Wildfire Information Updates: http://wasmoke.blogspot.com/