Whatcom County air quality on the decline as wildfire smoke drifts across Washington
Wildfires in Eastern Washington are sending smoke over Washington, causing air quality to decline in Whatcom County as the region bakes under a heat wave, the Northwest Clean Air Agency said.
“Smoke from wildfires burning near Lake Chelan will slightly impact air quality today. Check for updates if conditions change,” the agency said Monday on its social media.
Some haze was visible in Monday afternoon in Bellingham, along with a hint of smoke in the air, observers told The Bellingham Herald.
Similar conditions are possible Tuesday until high pressure moves east and allows the cooling ocean breezes to return through at least Wednesday.
Air quality readings about 3 p.m. Monday showed that the air was “moderate” in Bellingham for particulate matter, which is smoke. Air in the Custer and Lynden area was “unhealthy for sensitive groups” because of ozone.
“Ozone results from heat, sunlight, and air pollution combining. So smoke particles could play a role. People with breathing issues may notice some impacts,” the Northwest Clean Air Agency’s Seth Preston told The Herald.
A “red flag” warning was issued because of the unseasonably hot, dry weather.
Whatcom County is banning all burning except for recreational fires, and the National Park Service has banned all campfires in the North Cascades, Ross Lake and Lake Chelan recreation areas.
This story was originally published July 8, 2024 at 3:30 PM.
