Air Quality Alert: Wildfire Smoke

For the next several days, there will be increased wildfire smoke in the King County area. Please take steps to prepare yourself, friends, and family.

Smoke has arrived in our region from the wildfires burning in Spokane and elsewhere in Washington. Smoke contains tiny particles that can irritate your eyes and lungs. Children, older adults, pregnant people, and those with heart or lung conditions may be more sensitive to poor air quality. Check on changing air quality conditions at pscleanair.org.

When it’s smoky outside:

📱 Check the Air Quality Index (AQI) before spending extended time outdoors.
🏃 Limit strenuous outdoor activity, especially when the air quality is poor.
🏠 Keep windows and doors closed to keep clean air inside.
🚗 Set your vehicle's fan or A/C to recirculate when driving through smoky areas.
💧 Stay hydrated and take breaks indoors if you're spending time outside.

If you experience coughing, shortness of breath, dizziness, chest pain, or difficulty breathing, move to cleaner air and seek medical attention if your symptoms are severe.

Ways to improve indoor air quality on smoky days

• Close windows and doors, unless it gets too hot
• Move to a mall, library, or other air conditioned building
• Set up a clean air room using a HEPA or DIY box fan filter

For more information on ways to reduce your exposure, see the Washington Department of Health’s tips as well as preparedness resources from King County.