Hazardous Air Quality Advisory and Excessive Heat Warning in Effect
Air advisory map from PurpleAir.com showing air quality levels in the gorge. Map updated Aug 12th, 2021 1:30 PM. Click to enlarge.
Hazardous air quality advisories and excessive heat warnings are in affect in various parts of the Mid-Columbia region, including Goldendale, White Salmon, Trout Lake, and Yakima until Monday.
Towns under heat advisory only include The Dalles, Dufur, Maupin, and Hermiston.
A high pressure system will bring smoke from surrounding wildfires into the Mid-Columbia region until Monday. Image source. Click to enlarge
Klickitat County Public Health released the following press release about the air quality advisory:
VERY UNHEALTHY TO HAZARDOUS AIR QUALITY ADVISORY
Klickitat County residents are encouraged to reduce exposure to poor air quality conditions
Goldendale, WA, August 12, 2021 – Regions of Klickitat County have been affected by unhealthy air quality brought about by increased wildfire smoke and excessive heat - especially in the following areas: Trout Lake, Glenwood, Goldendale, Bickleton, and Roosevelt. Air quality can change rapidly and can vary throughout the county. The smoke and excessive heat are expected to continue into the weekend.
According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), wildfire smoke can irritate the eyes, nose, throat, and lungs while making it difficult to breathe or induce coughing or wheezing. Wildfire smoke can affect healthy people without any previously diagnosed health conditions. Community members with asthma, COPD, lung or heart disease have an increased risk of symptoms or worsening of their disease. Pregnant women are also at greater risk for smoke related health conditions. For this reason, it is recommended that everyone reduce their exposure to wildfire smoke by staying indoors, performing only light activities, and keeping windows closed if it is not too hot. Running air conditioners on re-circulate and closing the outside air intake is also recommended. Using indoor air cleaners with HEPA filters or making your own air filters with a box fan can help decrease smoke in the home.
If you must be outdoors, wear an N-95 respirator mask and try to come back inside quickly. According to the CDC, cloth face coverings like the ones used to slow the spread of COVID-19 offer little protection against harmful air pollutants in wildfire smoke because these coverings do not capture most small particles in smoke. N95 masks offer very limited protection for children since they are sized for adults. Parents are encouraged to keep their children inside and out of the smoke. People with chronic diseases should check with their health care provider before wearing a mask.
People with asthma, lung and heart disease, or have had a stroke should check with their health care provider for advice about leaving areas affected by wildfire smoke. 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.
About Klickitat County Public Health
Klickitat County Public Health is always working for a safer and healthier community. As the region’s public health leader and partner, we are committed to excellence through innovative programs, community partnerships and a fundamental dedication to promote and protect the health of all Klickitat County residents.
More information concerning air quality and current fire conditions:
The Washington State Department of Health School Activity Guide
CDC’s Stay Safe During a Wildfire webpage
Wildfire Smoke and COVID-19 webpage
Local Air Monitors (Click “view the map” and ensure the conversion is set to Raw PM2.5 in ppm and shown in realtime)
How to make an air filter with a box fan
To receive email updates to air quality advisories, as well as other important updates from Klickitat County Public Health, click here.
How to: Create a Clean Room to Protect Indoor Air Quality During a Wildfire
