Agricultural Burns & Air Quality Conditions

East Wenatchee, WA – Leavenworth and the Wenatchee Valley experienced poor air quality conditions this morning and may see similar conditions in the coming days. The U.S. Forest Service suggests that most of the smoke is due to numerous agricultural burns and a combination of a couple prescribed burns.

Wildfire smoke can cause serious health problems, especially for sensitive people including: children, pregnant women, adults older than 65, and people with heart and lung diseases or respiratory illnesses. The Washington Air Quality Advisory recommends all sensitive groups to limit time spent outdoors and avoid any strenuous outdoor activity. Please contact your healthcare provider if your health conditions worsen or if you are experiencing serious symptoms:

• Watery or dry eyes

• Coughing/wheezing

• Throat and sinus irritation

• Phlegm

• Shortness of breath

• Headaches

• Irregular heartbeat or chest pain

Stay updated on current air quality conditions by visiting the Department of Ecology’s Air Monitoring Network at: http://www.ecology.wa.gov/WAQA.

Additional Resources:

Chelan-Douglas Health District Washington State Department of Health

###