Wildfires

Wildfires are unplanned fires that burn in natural areas like forests, grasslands, or prairies. These dangerous fires spread quickly and can devastate not only wildlife and natural areas but also communities.

Explore the following essential resources that offer crucial information on wildfires, ensuring the well-being of you, your family, and your pets during the extended wildfire seasons.

Current Wildfires & Air Quality Conditions

Cowlitz County - Outlined Map Opens in new window

What are the symptoms of exposure?

Smoke from wildfires could worsen your symptoms if you have a health condition. Even if you are a healthy person, you may still experience symptoms if smoke levels are high.

In case of serious symptoms like difficulty breathing, dial 911 immediately. For individuals with heart or lung diseases experiencing worsening symptoms around smoke, it is important to contact your healthcare provider immediately.

Symptoms may be minor irritations to more serious, life-threatening complications such as:

Sore throat
Headaches
Burning Eyes
Coughing
Wheezing
Shortness of Breath
Chest Pain
Asthma Attacks
Irritated Sinuses
Runny Nose

Who is most at risk?

Sensitive populations include people aged 65+, babies & children, pregnant women, and people with health conditions. They are particularly susceptible to the adverse effects of wildfire smoke.

Exposure to these pollutants can lead to respiratory problems, exacerbate existing health conditions, and increase the risk of cardiovascular issues.

It is crucial for individuals in sensitive populations to stay informed, take necessary precautions, and follow local air quality advisories to protect their health during wildfire events.

Wildfires - Vulnerable Persons Opens in new window

How do I make a 'clean air room'?

How to Create a Clean Room @ Home (PDF)

How to Make Your Own Clean Air Fan (YouTube Video)

Ecology - DIY Clean Air Fann Opens in new window

WA State Dept. of Natural Resources Tools:

Current Wildfire Information - "Wildfire Intel Dashboard"

WA State Dept. of Health (DOH) Tools:

General Resources:
- DOH Wildfire Page
- DOH Smoke From Fires (English) / Humo de Incendios (Espanol)
- WA Smoke Information Blog - wildfires, forecasts, and air quality conditions
For Kids and Schools:
- Air Quality Guide for School & Child Care Activities - valuable recommendations to ensure the safety of children and youth during various school activities. Applicable to child care, before- and after-school programs, camps, and sports programs for children and youth up to age 18.
- Summary Wildfire Smoke Guidance for Closing Schools - provides updated guidance (April 2022) on canceling or relocating outdoor athletic events or practices, as well as implementing closures during wildfire smoke events.

Please note that the above health guidance documents aim to provide valuable information for local decision-making to protect public health. The WA State Department of Health (DOH) encourages the consideration of local factors and circumstances, including the duration of wildfire smoke in the area, when implementing these recommendations.

WA State Dept. of Ecology Tools:

Wildfire Smoke Page
Current Air Quality Map - click map below for interactive map

Dept of Ecology - Current Air Quality Opens in new window