Wildfire smoke will likely return to Kitsap County skies soon, if the past is any indication and if weather forecasters are correct.
Summer temperatures dry out wooded areas and set the stage for fire season. Accompanying those fires is troublesome smoke that can travel across states and present health hazards for many.
“We see the smoke predominately from wildfires in California, Canada, Eastern Washington and Idaho,” said Brian Nielson, Kitsap Public Health District’s emergency preparedness and response program manager.
The heavy haze from fires – which clouds the horizon and discolors the sun – contains tiny particles from wood smoke that gets into eyes and lungs and can cause serious health problems. Anyone experiencing severe symptoms, such as trouble breathing or heart problems, should call 911.
“With wildfire smoke, we are talking about particulate matter of 2.5 microns. It can get farther down in the lungs and have respiratory and cardiovascular effects that causes inflammation. This exacerbates things like asthma and cardiac events,” Nielson said. “Prolonged exposure during periods of increased smoke can have a profound effect. It can also reduce the body’s ability to fight infection.”
Several high-risk groups can be impacted by smoke. “We are always concerned with – older adults, the very young and people that are pregnant. Also, those with a compromised immune system and people with a history of respiratory or cardiac disease, including things like asthma, and bronchitis. Another group is people, who due to their occupation, must remain outdoors,” he said.
Symptoms from exposure to fire smoke include: eye, nose and throat irritation; fatigue, headache and coughing; shortness of breath and aggravation of existing conditions, particularly heart and lung diseases, with symptoms like asthma attacks, chest pain or irregular heartbeat, state Department of Health officials say.
Kitsap is expected to have up to 10 days of unhealthy air this year, the nonprofit First Street Foundation says. Unsafe air has an average air quality index of 100 or higher, a level deemed unhealthy for sensitive groups. This wildfire season is slated to be more active than normal across the state and British Columbia, DOH officials say.
Protect yourself
When the smoke arrives, Nielson suggests those with risk factors stay indoors as much as possible and avoid vigorous outdoor activities. Keep air in the home as clean as possible by closing windows and doors. The HVAC system fan should run continuously so air gets filtered. People unable to clean the air in their home should go to a public place where the air is filtered – like a mall, community center or library – or wear a N95 mask, Nielson said.
During periods of unhealthy air or extreme heat clean air and cooling stations may open in Kitsap. To sign up for notifications of the sites go to www.kitsapdem.com or call 211.
Pets are also impacted by the smoke. To protect furry friends, it is advised they stay indoors and keep outside bathroom breaks short.
To track air quality on your phone check out the Air Quality WA app. For news on wildfires and smoke forecasts go to wasmoke.blogspot.com.
