We’re tracking wildfires burning across the Pacific Northwest.
Washington state’s wildfire season typically lasts from June to September, particularly affecting areas east of the Cascade Mountains, according to the Washington State Department of Natural Resources.
Puget Sound Energy, Washington state’s largest utility, warned customers in May that it might cut power to some areas to prevent power lines from starting wildfires.
Already, the Pioneer Fire, which was reported to have started on the north shore of Lake Chelan in early June, is expected to continue burning through the end of October.
“Due to the rugged, inaccessible terrain and large amounts of above-ground fuel, the fire is likely to continue for an extended period of time,” the state Department of Natural Resources said in a news release.
Western Washington is expected to enter this year’s fire season with dry conditions, increasing the likelihood of wildfires heading into the hottest months of the year, according to the latest forecasts.
According to the National Joint Fire Center’s May wildfire forecast, wildfire risk across the state was normal through June, but above-normal fire risk is expected for most of Western Washington in July and August.
Normal conditions are expected to continue in the rest of the state.
Air quality
We are also tracking the impact of the wildfires on air quality across the region.
Last August, water levels in Seattle reached dangerously high levels as smoke from wildfires in British Columbia, eastern Washington and the Cascade Mountains blanketed the region.
Larger and more intense wildfires are creating smoke and potential chronic exposure in the U.S., especially in the West.
Check the air quality and fine particulate matter levels in your area here:
Particulate matter, the primary pollutant in wildfire smoke, consists of small unburned particles of burning material suspended in the air. Particulate matter can include particles of acids, inorganic compounds, organic chemicals, soot, metals, and dirt. Particulate matter is several times thinner than a human hair and can easily be inhaled deep into the lungs and bloodstream, where it can cause damage to vital organs.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, exposure to wildfire smoke can cause a variety of health problems, ranging from eye and respiratory irritation to more serious conditions such as bronchitis, heart failure and even premature death.
Children, pregnant women and the elderly are particularly at risk.
While our airways are designed to filter out larger particles through hair and mucus, smaller particles like smoke can easily get into our breathing space. Staying indoors and wearing a high-quality face mask like an N95 or KN95 when you’re outdoors can help limit smoke inhalation, said Dr. Bonnie Ronisch, a pulmonologist at the University of Washington School of Medicine.
Most people will first smell the smoke and feel it in their eyes and nose, but if you experience severe coughing, phlegm or shortness of breath that interferes with daily activities like getting dressed, you may need to seek medical help, Ronisch said. He likened the effects of wildfire smoke exposure to a giant cigarette. “Smoke is full of particulate matter, organic matter, burnt material,” Ronisch said. Video Statement“When you burn something, it’s bad for you if you inhale it into your lungs.”
