Ash covers Wenatchee Valley as wildfires leave mark even in unaffected areas

WENATCHEE — Residents of the Wenatchee Valley awoke to a familiar but unwelcome sight Thursday morning: Ash covering the ground, their cars, their plants and outside furniture, and thick on their windowsills.

It’s fire season here in North Central Washington, and although it’s been relatively mild so far this year, it seems to have come on with a vengeance. Starting Sept. 3, the ash was swirling in the air, but began to settle in the early afternoon. By the morning of Sept. 4 it looked like a volcano had erupted nearby.

Ash isn’t necessarily a leading indicator of the air quality index (AQI), however. Although it is currently rated as “Unhealthy,” the AQI sits at 165, which is only about halfway to “Hazardous.” Don’t let the numbers fool you, however; if you have a mask, wearing it is a good idea.

On Wednesday, the Washington State Department of Ecology issued an air quality alert for Chelan and Douglas counties, warning that wildfire smoke could cause health problems, even in healthy individuals. The Chelan-Douglas Health District advised residents to remain indoors during periods of unhealthy air quality and noted that N95 or N100 respirator masks offer protection for those who must go outside.

You can track the AQI by going to https://www.iqair.com/us/usa/washington/wenatchee.

Despite the Lower Sugarloaf Fire blazing just 25 miles from Wenatchee proper, the AQI is projected to drop into the lower 90s by Thursday evening, climbing again overnight.

It’s time to be safe and stay indoors if possible, and if you must go out, take all necessary precautions to protect you and your kids’ health.

While the short-term health effects of wildfire smoke exposure in healthy individuals remain unclear, there's increasing worry about potential long-term impacts. For those in wildfire-prone regions like ours, experiencing weeks of smoke annually, these prolonged exposures could elevate the lifetime risk of heart disease, lung disease, and cancer. The health risks associated with wildfire smoke and heat can be intensified when these events coincide.

You can reduce the effects of smoke inside your home as well. To keep smoke out, close all windows and doors securely. However, monitor indoor temperatures to prevent heat exhaustion or heat stroke. If it becomes uncomfortably warm, either temporarily open windows to cool your space, even if it's still smoky outside, or seek alternate shelter in a cooler space with clean air.

If you’re driving through a smoky area, remember to use the “recirculate” feature on your car’s air conditioning. Be sure to slow down if you drive through an area where visibility is decreased, and never leave children or pets alone in your vehicle.

Stay safe! 

Andrew Simpson: 509-433-7626 or andrew@ward.media