It's time to fish out those face masks. Smoke from wildfires across the state will threaten air quality in Seattle and Western Washington this week.
Amid harsh winds and hot, dry weather, wildfires sparked across Eastern and Central Washington this weekend. Over 700 structures were destroyed and more than 60,000 people were evacuated in Spokane. Large fires also burn near the Colville Reservation and Lake Chelan, among other places.
Smoke from those wildfires could come for Western Washington as weather forecasters have warned that wind patterns could change starting Tuesday. While it's still too early to know the full impacts, forecasters are warning that air quality could become unhealthy and reduce visibility, potentially lingering through Thursday.
Smoke can irritate lungs and cause inflammation and can be especially harmful to children, older adults, pregnant people and those who must live or work outdoors.
Here's how to be ready for when the air quality declines.
If you're able, limit time outside and keep doors and windows closed. Try to prepare a clean room and use a portable high efficiency particular air cleaner or a homemade air cleaner. Use a damp mop or rag to clean to avoid sending particles back into the air.
If you have to go outside, wear a N-95 or P100 masks, which can be purchased from a hardware store. One-strap paper masks, surgical masks or other face coverings do not offer enough smoke protection.
If you don't have a portable air filter, you can build your own by taping a furnace filter (either MERV 13 or FPR 10 filter) to a box fan with masking tape. Research shows that this can lead to a 90% reduction in certain types of air pollution.
This is a relatively new way to manage smoke, so overheating concerns exist. Never leave the filter fan running while sleeping or not at home and allow the unit to turn off every 30 minutes so it can cool.
Stock up on food and other supplies to limit going outside in the smoke. Cars should not be treated as a primary retreat. If you need to seek shelter elsewhere, libraries, museums, malls, senior centers and other indoor facilities often have filtration and air conditioning.
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