Thursday, August 13, 2015

Wolverine Fire - Smoke Summary Thursday, August 13

Today:  Critical and complex fire weather expected for today and tomorrow with a red flag warning today. Isolated thunderstorms in the morning  increasing to scattered thunderstorms in the evening and through the night.  Strong low-level instability in the morning  is expected to create very active burning and smoke production for the Wolverine Fire.  Simultaneously, a mid-level inversion will cap the area and hold smoke locally.  Widespread smoky conditions expected for central Washington today from many regional fires including the Wolverine and Cougar fires.    Northwesterly winds 20-30 mph will begin to push smoke from Wolverine to the south and southeast at night.  Nighttime smoke may disperse throughout south-central Washington.
Friday:  Northwest winds increase 30-40 mph in the morning with cooler, but dry conditions.  Fire is expected to burn actively all Thursday night into Friday morning.  Smoky conditions in the morning likely to exist locally.  Midday and afternoon smoky conditions may exist over a large area of central Washington.  By afternoon, locally heavy downpours possible from intense thundershowers. 
Saturday:  Mild and drier weather expected.
Site
August 13
Today
Air Quality 
August 14
Friday
Air Quality
August 15
Saturday
Air Quality
Comments
Chelan
Unhealthy
Unhealthy
Moderate
Today worst air quality morning through afternoon.
Manson
Very Unhealthy
Unhealthy
Moderate
Today worst air quality morning through afternoon.
Methow Valley
Unhealthy
Unhealthy
Moderate
Today worst air quality afternoon and evening.
Wenatchee
Moderate
Moderate
Moderate

Disclaimer: Conditions may change quickly, these predictions are based on anticipated weather and fire activity.  The air quality outlook is based on data from automated instruments that have not been subjected to a quality assurance review. AQI’s estimated for sites with air monitors.
Index Levels of Health Concern

Actions Recommended by WA Department of Ecology to Reduce Smoke Exposure
Good

None
Moderate

People with asthma, respiratory infection, diabetes, lung or heart disease, or have had a stroke should limit outdoor activities or do activities that take less effort, such as walking instead of running.
Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups

Sensitive groups include people with heart or lung disease, asthma, diabetes, infants, children, adults older than 65, pregnant women, or who have had a stroke.  These people should limit time spent outdoors.
Unhealthy

Everyone should limit time spent outdoors. Everyone should avoid exercising outdoors (including sports teams) and choose non-strenuous indoor activities. People with asthma, respiratory infection, diabetes, lung or heart disease, or have had a stroke should stay indoors. Infants, children, pregnant women and adults over age 65 should also stay indoors.
Very Unhealthy

Everyone should stay indoors, do only light activities, and keep windows closed if it is not too hot. Run air conditioners on re-circulate and close the outside air intake. Use indoor air cleaners with HEPA filters, if available. If you must be outdoors, wear an N-95 respirator mask. People with chronic diseases should check with their health care provider before wearing a mask.
Check with your local health department for health information. People with asthma, lung and heart disease, or have had a stroke should check with their health care provider for advice about leaving the area. Anyone with shortness of breath, wheezing, chest pain, heart palpitations, extreme fatigue, or difficulty moving or speaking should call their health care provider or call 911.
Hazardous

Everyone should stay indoors, do only light activities, and keep windows closed if it is not too hot. Run air conditioners on re-circulate and close the outside air intake. Use indoor air cleaners with HEPA filters, if available. If you must be outdoors, wear an N-95 respirator mask. People with chronic diseases should check with their health care provider before wearing a mask.
Check with your local health department for health information. People with asthma, lung and heart disease, or have had a stroke should check with their health care provider for advice about leaving the area. Anyone with shortness of breath, wheezing, chest pain, heart palpitations, extreme fatigue, or difficulty moving or speaking should call their health care provider or call 911.


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