Wildfire Smoke Prompts Grant County Air Advisory

The Grant County Health District issued an air advisory Thursday in response to several wildfires in Central Washington causing the air quality to deteriorate.

"The smoke is kind of in the area and lingering," said Misty Aguilar, Public Information Officer. "We want folks to pay to what's going on in their surroundings and plan accordingly."

According to Aguilar, the smoke is fluctuating on the air quality index between 'good' and unhealthy'. Wildfire smoke can burn eyes and cause breathing to be difficult, particularly for those with asthma, elderly, those with heart or lung disease and pregnant women.

"These people should limit time outdoors when the air starts to become unhealthy," said Aguilar.

To reduce the risks, Grant County Health District recommends the following:

• If it looks smoky outside, it is probably not a good time for any outdoor activities.

• Keep indoor air as clean as possible. Minimize the use of indoor air pollutants such as candles, incense, and wood burning stoves.

• Consider using HEPA filters (MERV-13 rating or higher) in your AC units (and settings “Recirculate” and “On” rather than “Auto”) or use high efficiency indoor air cleaner in one or more rooms.

• Routinely check on children, the elderly and friends and family who have breathing problems when outdoor air quality is unhealthy