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Media Contacts: Lisa Woodard, Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency | (509) 863-2463 | LWoodard@SpokaneCleanAir.org

Kelli Hawkins, Spokane Regional Health District | (509) 994-8968 | khawkins@srhd.org

SPOKANE, Wash – The Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency (Spokane Clean Air) is forecasting wildfire smoke to continue to increase, reaching the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups/Orange on the Air Quality Index (AQI) on Saturday.

Based on current models and fire behavior, air quality should improve to AQI-Moderate/Yellow on Sunday through Tuesday, as winds direct the smoke plumes away from our area.

"Given the degrading air quality, it is important for individuals to monitor the AQI often because conditions can change rapidly, and to take the necessary steps to protect their health,” said Scott Windsor, Executive Director for Spokane Clean Air.

Dr. Francisco Velázquez, Health Officer for Spokane Regional Health District (SRHD) added, “Smoke can affect everyone. Those most susceptible to smoke should be sure their medications are on hand and to contact their health provider, if necessary.”

Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups/Orange: Sensitive groups, defined below, should take steps to reduce their exposure: Limit time outside, avoid strenuous outdoor activity, and follow tips for cleaner indoor air (provided below). Everyone should watch for symptoms as a sign to reduce exposure.

Sensitive groups include people most likely to have health problems from breathing smoke, including:

Symptoms of smoke exposure can be mild to severe, including coughing, scratchy throat, irritated sinuses, stinging eyes, and runny nose, shortness of breath, chest pain, and headaches. If you have heart or lung disease, smoke might make your symptoms worse. People who have heart disease might experience chest pain, a rapid or irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, and fatigue.

If you have a pre-existing respiratory condition such as asthma, COPD (including chronic bronchitis and emphysema), or allergies, smoke may worsen symptoms (inability to breathe normally, cough with or without mucus, chest discomfort, wheezing, and shortness of breath). Seek medical attention when experiencing severe symptoms, such as chest pain or difficulty breathing. Dial 911 for emergency assistance if symptoms are serious.

Smoke and COVID symptoms: Some respiratory symptoms including cough, sore throat, and difficulty breathing are common to both wildfire smoke and to the COVID-19 virus.

Symptoms unique to COVID-19 include an increase in severity of cough, new loss of taste or smell,

nausea or vomiting, diarrhea, fever. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, even those that seem minor, you should test for COVID-19. Free at-home tests can be ordered by visiting the testing section at covid.srhd.org.

Steps to reduce exposure to smoke:

For more information and resources on wildfire smoke and your health:

• Spokane Regional Health District Wildfire Smoke

• Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency Wildfire Smoke

• Current and Forecasted Air Quality – Spokane County

• Statewide smoke and fire information

1101 W. College Ave. Spokane, WA 99201 Phone: 509.324.1500

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