Smoke from Washington wildfires has led to unhealthy air conditions in Northwest Montana and the Flathead Valley, according to the Montana Department of Environmental Quality. On Friday morning, the air quality warning was code orange, “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups.”
State Air Quality Meteorologist Kristen Martin says children, the elderly and people with respiratory diseases should avoid strenuous activity and warns that the conditions could worsen over the weekend. With strong westerly winds blowing smoke in from Washington, Martin says there is a good chance the condition will go from code orange to code red, “Unhealthy.”
Although the winds should change course somewhat by the end of the weekend, Martin worries that Montana could end up exchanging the smoke of Washington for that coming from wildfires in Oregon. Thunderstorms or rain could provide temporary respite from the smoke, but Martin says it is too early to predict when the conditions will abate.
As long as the westerly winds continue, the Flathead Valley can continue to expect a lot of smoke as Washington continues to struggle with the numerous wildfires in the state. The small town of Pateros in north-central Washington was evacuated late last night due to the fires, and the gusting winds and high temperatures mean that firefighters are struggling to combat the blaze.
Martin recommends all residents of the Flathead to stay cognizant of the smoke levels over the weekend and to alter plans accordingly. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warns that even in low concentrations, smoke from wildfires can cause chest pain, headaches, stinging eyes and coughing.
As for the forests in Montana, dry and hot conditions mean that the danger of wildfires is increasing. The DNRC advises residents never to leave campfires unattended and reminds the community that debris burning is not permitted from July through September.