PORT ANGELES — Ash that fell as smoke across the North Olympic Peninsula obscured the sun Tuesday is expected to clear out soon.
The smoke, from wildfires across Washington, was expected to start clearing out Tuesday night and could be gone as soon as Thursday, officials said.
The smoke that arrived Tuesday isn’t as bad as when smoke from British Columbia crossed the border last month, and it should clear by the end of Thursday, said Ranil Dhammapala, an atmospheric scientist for the state Department of Ecology.
“The good news is [the Olympic Peninsula] will be the first to clear out,” he said, adding that marine air was expected to make its way into the area Tuesday night.
The Olympic Peninsula air quality recording stations were recording mostly “moderate” air quality, Dhammapala said, though those living at higher elevations will see “slightly worse air.”
The website showing Ecology’s Air Monitoring Network was down Tuesday afternoon, but the federal Environmental Protection Agency’s AirNow is typically available online.
Dhammapala said monitors at higher elevations are recording lower-quality air and people at higher elevations could experience “unhealthy air.”
Most of the smoke seen locally is from the Jolly Mountain Fire near Cle Elum, he said. Smoke from Oregon fires also is making its way into the area.
The Jolly Mountain Fire, which started Aug. 11 after a lightning strike, had grown to more than 23,000 acres by Tuesday.
Dhammapala warned more smoke could return sometime next week.
“We think conditions are building that could signal a possible return,” he said. “It maybe won’t be as bad, but it’s trending in that direction.”
Clallam County Public Health Officer Dr. Chris Frank said he is thankful air quality isn’t as bad as before but said sensitive groups should still limit their time outside.
That includes children, elderly people and people with lung and heart conditions, he said. Frank said the county told schools that children with asthma should have the option to stay inside.
He said people who experience difficulty breathing, a sore throat or coughing also should stay indoors.
Frank said some are concerned that they should be wearing a mask to lower their health risk, but most don’t have access to those masks.
“For most people … they are better just going inside,” he said, adding that masks found at hardware stores are not effective.
The National Weather Service issued an air quality alert for Tuesday and included the Olympic Peninsula in a red flag warning until 8 p.m. Tuesday.
Rain is possible Thursday and for the next few days, according to the National Weather Service.
Clallam County Fire District No. 2 has asked people not to call 9-1-1 to report a fire unless they can see flames and concentrated smoke.
Officials said the ash shouldn’t damage paint on cars and suggested rinsing vehicles off well before washing.
Bobby Beeman, spokesperson for Olympic Medical Center in Port Angeles, said there was no spike in hospitalizations related to the smoke but that Dr. Mark Fischer in pulmonary medicine offered some advice.
“For those with weak lungs or chronic heart failure, stay indoors as much as possible for the next few days. Avoid any excess exertion during times of poor air quality and be sure to take your usual medications as instructed,” Fischer said.
Jefferson County Public Health Officer Dr. Tom Locke was not available for comment. Jefferson Healthcare officials did not return requests for comment.
For more information about the smoke, visit the state smoke blog at wasmoke.blogspot.com.
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Reporter Jesse Major can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 56250, or at jmajor@peninsuladailynews.com.
Smoke from wildfires across the state shrouds Port Angeles on Tuesday as it settles into the region. (Jesse Major/Peninsula Daily News)
Traffic travels on Eighth Street in Port Angeles on Tuesday as smoke from wildfires across the state settles over the region. (Jesse Major/Peninsula Daily News)
