BRINNON — Fires burning 15 miles to the west of this town are affecting air quality, a spokesman for the Olympic Region Clean Air Agency says.
ORCAA installed an air monitoring station at the fire station in Brinnon on Tuesday, spokesman Dan Nelson said on Friday.
The first and only reading to date, which was taken Tuesday or Wednesday, categorized the air quality as “unhealthy for sensitive groups,” he said.
That means children or people with a lung or breathing disability, such as asthma, may feel congested when exposed to the smoke and should be cautious about venturing outdoors during hazy days, Nelson said.
But since the reading was taken almost a week ago, it does not reflect current air quality.
“The initial report showed elevated levels,” Nelson said. “I don’t believe it’s really drastic.”
The amount of smoke in town is dependent upon wind patterns.
Wind-blown smoke filled the town July 29 and prompted the National Park Service to hold a public meeting on the fires that week.
Brinnon Fire Chief Bob Herbst said the air monitoring station uses a tube attached to the building’s radio mast to suck in air.
The information will be downloaded at least once a week, possibly until the fires burn themselves out, Nelson said.
The air station measures the level of fine particles in the air, which are less likely to be exhaled.
“They are so small that they are inhaled deep into the lungs,” he said.
Nelson said people should be cautious about spending time outside during hazy days.
“If people do see and smell smoke, I recommend that they limit their activities outdoors,” he said.
“I don’t want people to veg out in front of the TV . . . but they should avoid strenuous runs and things that elevate their heart rate and respiratory rate.”
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Reporter Tom Callis can be reached at 360-417-3532 or at tom.callis@peninsuladailynews.com.
