BELLINGHAM, Wash. — As wildfires continue to rage along the west coast, local air quality is taking a turn for the worse again.
The EPA’s Air Quality Now measure for Bellingham this morning shows yellow, or a moderate level of concern.
But the Washington Emergency Management Division warns what they call a “super-massive” body of wildfire smoke from fires in Oregon and California is beginning to move into Washington, and air quality is going to take a hit.
The forecasted air quality for Bellingham today is in the “red”, or unhealthy, meaning even some members of the general public, beyond sensitive groups, may experience health effects.
Andy Wineke from the Department of Ecology says toxic particles in the smoke are a concern, saying the particles can get into your bloodstream and lead to health issues.
Tomorrow the forecast drops to “orange”, meaning members of sensitive groups may experience health effects.
As of this morning, wildfires have scorched more than 937 square miles in Washington.
This, as a statewide burn ban continues on all DNR-managed forest lands, in addition to many local burn bans.
In Oregon, more than 12 percent of state residents have been evacuated due to wildfires.