Northwest wildfire smoke hits Portland, Seattle
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Visualizing wildfires in Washington and Oregon
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As smoke from nearby wildfires spread across the Puget Sound region this week, agencies are urging residents to take precautions.
Spokane wildfires have burned over 10,000 acres, destroyed 700 structures and forced 65,000 evacuations as smoke spreads.
People who work outside have specific protections under Washington state law related to both extreme heat and wildfire smoke.
Unhealthy to Very Unhealthy air quality continues to inundate many parts of the state and more areas are expected to see smoke impacts later today and through the week. As winds shift, smoke is expected to cover the Columbia Basin and travel over parts of Western Washington, including the Seattle metro area.
A shelter in Hillsboro and another in Tigard will be open 24/7 through noon on Thursday, Aug. 6 to help people find some relief from wildfire smoke and heat.
Washington state is awaiting final approval for an emergency declaration and direct federal assistance in fighting Spokane fires, Gov. Bob Ferguson shared in a Monday morning briefing at Mt. Spokane High School.
Satellite images captured by NASA show thick plumes of wildfire smoke streaming across eastern Washington as the Spokane-area fires continue to burn, damaging hundreds of structures, prompting evacuations and pushing air quality to dangerous levels.
Three wildfires burning in the Spokane, Washington, area have forced roughly 65,000 people from their homes and destroyed hundreds of buildings.