Shelton, Wash. – Thick smoke from the Bear Gulch Fire is blanketing Mason County, pushing air quality into the “very unhealthy” to “hazardous” range and prompting officials to extend an Air Quality Alert through 9 a.m. Friday.
According to the Olympic Region Clean Air Agency, particulate matter levels (PM 2.5) have climbed to dangerous concentrations, especially in areas closest to the fire. Residents are urged to limit outdoor activity, close windows and doors, and use HEPA filters or other indoor air cleaning devices.
The agency advises that everyone—not just sensitive groups—should reduce exposure during these conditions. Those with heart or lung conditions, children, and older adults are at the greatest risk of serious health effects. Mason County has also enacted burning restrictions, prohibiting all outdoor burning until conditions improve.
Visibility along rural highways, including stretches of U.S. Route 101, may be reduced at times. Health officials recommend wearing N95 masks if travel outdoors is unavoidable and seeking cleaner indoor spaces if home filtration is inadequate.
The Air Quality Alert remains in effect until Friday morning, but additional advisories could follow if wildfire activity persists.
