SPOKANE — The National Weather Service office in Spokane has expanded Air Quality Alerts to cover a broad swath of Eastern Washington as wildfire smoke thickens across the region. The alerts, now in effect until further notice, include Stevens, Spokane, Lincoln, Grant, Pend Oreille, Ferry, Chelan, Douglas, Adams, Garfield, Okanogan, Whitman, and Asotin counties.
An increase in regional smoke and haze is expected through at least Friday morning, according to the latest RRFS total smoke forecast. Officials advise residents to limit time outdoors, avoid strenuous activity, and take steps to keep indoor air clean. Sensitive groups — including children, older adults, and those with heart or lung conditions — are especially at risk as air quality worsens.
At the same time, hot weather is compounding health concerns. The Weather Service warns that high temperatures will increase the risk of heat-related illnesses. Residents are urged to drink plenty of fluids, stay in air-conditioned spaces when possible, avoid direct sun, and check on vulnerable relatives and neighbors…