Yakima, Wash. – Thick wildfire smoke is choking much of central and eastern Washington, prompting state officials to extend an air quality alert across seven counties until further notice. Residents from Yakima to Walla Walla are advised to limit time outdoors as skies remain hazy and air quality levels hover in the unhealthy range.
According to the Washington State Department of Ecology and the Yakima Regional Clean Air Agency, smoke from regional wildfires is expected to linger, keeping conditions dangerous for sensitive groups and risky for the broader public. The alert covers Yakima, Kittitas, Klickitat, Benton, Franklin, Walla Walla, and Columbia counties.
The Tri-Cities area, including Kennewick, Pasco, and Richland, has seen visibility drop, while Walla Walla and Dayton reported air quality readings approaching hazardous levels by Thursday morning. Local health officials urge residents to avoid strenuous outdoor activity, use HEPA filters indoors when possible, and check on neighbors, particularly the elderly and children.
Those without access to clean indoor air are encouraged to seek public cooling and air-filtering spaces. Health agencies recommend drinking extra fluids and keeping windows closed to reduce smoke exposure.
The Department of Ecology noted that conditions could persist into next week depending on wildfire activity and shifting winds. More advisories may follow as the smoke pattern evolves.
