Wildfire Smoke Leads to Air Quality Alerts in US and Canada

Wildfires raging across California, Oregon, Arizona, Washington, and other western states, along with Canada, have filled the skies with smoke and haze. This has led to air quality alerts or advisories in some affected areas. As of Wednesday morning, 79 large active wildfires were being managed nationwide, burning 1,431,460 acres (579,292 hectares), according to the National Interagency Fire Center.

Evacuation orders are in place for 15 fires in the Northwest due to active to extreme fire behaviour. Communities near several fires in California, the Northern Rockies, and the Great Basin are also under evacuation orders. The largest active blaze in the U.S., the Durkee Fire near the Oregon-Idaho border, was 0% contained as of Wednesday morning and had burned nearly 400 square miles (1,036 square kilometres).

Air Quality Alerts

Unhealthy air pollution from wildfires has triggered air quality alerts and advisories in regions of the western U.S. The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality issued alerts for eastern counties including Harney, Malheur, Grant, Baker, and Morrow until further notice. Unhealthy air was reported in Bend and La Pine today and is forecasted for tomorrow. Smoke from the Durkee Fire was affecting Boise, Idaho and beyond.

In Idaho, air quality advisories were sent out to central counties such as Ada, Canyon, Gem, Owyhee, Payette, and Washington. North central Washington's Colville Reservation and all of Chelan County were under air quality alerts until further notice. In Canada, an air quality advisory was issued for Calgary due to wildfire smoke. Authorities labelled it high risk and advised children and the elderly to avoid outdoor physical exertion.

Major Fires

Oregon has 31 large active fires that have burned 791,653 acres (320,371 hectares). The Cow Valley, Falls, and Lone Rock fires have collectively seared some 404,404 acres (163,657 hectares). California has 12 active large wildfires; notable ones include the Lake Fire in Santa Barbara (38,664 acres/15,647 hectares) at 90% containment and the Shelly Fire in Siskiyou County (15,656 acres/6,336 hectares) at 62% containment.

Arizona also has 12 active large wildfires. The Black Fire east of Phoenix is the largest in Arizona. In Washington state, the Pioneer Fire is the largest at 30,667 acres (12,410.5 hectares). Montana's Deadman Fire in Rosebud County grew to 19,982 acres (8,086 hectares) and was 95% contained.

Staying Safe from Wildfire Smoke

Wildfire smoke can cause unhealthy air quality far from the fire itself. To stay safe from smoke exposure, people should learn about air quality conditions and forecasts in their area. Those with air conditioning systems should change filters often; high-efficiency filters labelled "MERV13" or higher are most effective at removing smoke particles. Portable HEPA air purifiers can also help.

To limit exposure to unhealthy air quality indoors: keep windows and doors closed; avoid heavy exertion outdoors; do not use fans or swamp coolers that draw air from outside; avoid using wood-burning appliances; and refrain from lighting candles or incense. If you need to be outside in smoky conditions, a respirator mask such as an N-95 or P-100 can offer some protection.

Cleaning After a Wildfire

When cleaning ash after a wildfire: wear goggles and a snug respirator mask like an N-95 or P-100; avoid skin contact with ash by wearing gloves and long clothing; wash ash from pets and outdoor belongings like cars and toys; mist floors with water before sweeping or mopping gently; collect ash in plastic bags for disposal; avoid using leaf blowers; keep water with ash away from storm drains; clean indoors with a vacuum that has disposable filter bags.

In Canada, there are about 430 active wildfires in British Columbia and 170 in Alberta. Two fires led to evacuations of up to 25,000 visitors and residents of Canadian Rockies' largest national park. Fuels and fire behaviour advisories were issued for California, Nevada, Southeast and Central Oregon, Southern Idaho as well as Utah and Arizona Strip.

The South Coast Air Quality Management District advises people to stay informed about local air quality conditions. Changing filters often on air conditioning systems can help reduce smoke particles indoors. High-efficiency filters labelled "MERV13" or higher are recommended for best results.

Wildfire smoke poses health risks especially for children and those with heart or lung issues. Staying indoors with windows closed can limit exposure to unhealthy air quality. Avoiding heavy exertion outdoors is also advised during periods of poor air quality due to wildfire smoke.

The ongoing wildfires across various states continue to impact both air quality and safety measures for residents. Staying informed about current conditions is crucial for those living in affected areas.