For Immediate Release

August 14, 2018

Contact: Stuart Whitford

Jefferson County Environmental Health Director

(360) 385-9411 – Desk
(360) 531-3560 - Cell

Wildfires Impact Jefferson County’s Air Quality

Port Townsend – A shift in winds over the weekend brought smoke from Canada that is covering most of our state. Some smoke might make its way from Canada into the Puget Sound lowlands later today and tomorrow, but westerly winds should return on Wednesday and clear out any lingering smoke. 

According to the AirNow website, the Port Townsend monitoring station indicates that air quality has deteriorated into the “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups range.”  Therefore, Jefferson County wants its residents to be aware of current air quality conditions and take necessary steps to avoid negative health effects.

Smoke from wildfires can be particularly dangerous for sensitive groups including people with heart or lung disease, asthma, diabetes, children, especially infants, adults older than 65, pregnant women, and those who have had a stroke. People in one or more of these groups should limit their time outdoors.  Additional resources include:

• Washington State Department of Health's Wildfire Smoke page: Explains the dangers of wildfire smoke and what you can do to protect yourself.
• "Air Pollution and School Activities" table: Specific recommendations for youth outdoor activities based on air quality conditions
• Washington Smoke Blog: Contains information about smoke as well as active wildfires.
• National Weather Service: Weather related alerts, including air quality.

For more information about health concerns relating to air quality or informational resources, please contact Jefferson County Public Health by phone, or visit the JCPH Website.

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Always Working for a Safer and Healthier Community