Montana Department of Environmental Quality Air Quality Meteorologist Kristen Martin says that while air quality improved overnight in many areas of western Montana, satellite imagery is indicating an enormous amount of smoke beginning to move in to Western Montana.
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Hazy skies will likely continue over the next few days.
They advise everyone else to avoid prolonged exertion in those areas where the air quality is very unhealthy. Make sure all windows and doors are closed and turn on the furnace fan if there is one.
People with asthma, respiratory infection, diabetes, heart and lung disease or with a history of stroke should especially stay indoors. Young children and pregnant women are also at increased risk. Aggravation of heart or lung disease, severe breathing difficulty and premature mortality could occur in people with cardiopulmonary disease and older adults, while increased respiratory effects may be evident in the general population. Air quality suffers year round in the Yakima Valley due to wood smoke in winter and wildfires in summer.
The city of Spokane closed its pools early Friday because of “poor air quality and low attendance”, said parks spokeswoman Monique Cotton.
Russell said the health department issued a warning to local athletic directors about outdoor practices for high school athletes, who, when they are working out, breathe four times heavier than when at rest. Don’t smoke, because smoking puts even more pollution into the air.
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“Westerly winds should help a little”, said Magee, “but it probably won’t be enough to get us into the good category”.
