Residents across the Inland Northwest are facing a dual threat of deteriorating air quality and volatile fire weather as smoke from North Idaho wildfires drifts into the Spokane basin.
Agency data suggests that the particulate matter consists primarily of PM2.5, which are fine particles that can penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream.
Regional Heat Totals Strain Infrastructure and Public Health Resources The air quality crisis is and fire risk are occurring within the context of a prolonged heat event.
When southerly or easterly winds prevail, smoke from fires in the Idaho Panhandle National Forest is pushed directly into the urban corridor.
On a more granular level, the air quality is disrupting the start of various outdoor activities and seasonal events.
Spokane air quality hits unhealthy levels as North Idaho wildfire smoke and a Red Flag Warning create hazardous conditions across the Inland Northwest.