SPOKANE, Wash. — People who are sensitive to smoke might want to limit their time outside Sunday and Monday, due to some wildfires burning in the area.
According to Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency, the Air Quality Index (AQI) for July 20 and 21 is set at ‘moderate.’
A ‘moderate’ rating means “air quality is acceptable; however, for some pollutants there may be a moderate health concern for a very small number of people who are unusually sensitive to air pollution.”
The AQI is measured on a scale from 0-500, with 0 being the best air quality and 500 being the most hazardous.
Sunday’s AQI rating is 53, with the range for ‘moderate’ being between 51-100.
The Lake Spokane Fire burning near Tumtum and wildfires burning in Oregon are the main source of smoke and air pollution for the Spokane area.
RELATED COVERAGE: More areas evacuated as crews battle Lake Spokane fire from the ground and the air
Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency said on Sunday, North Spokane County may see pollution levels that are unhealthy for sensitive groups as smoke from the Lake Spokane Fire blows in from the west.
A higher ‘moderate’ AQI is expected for Spokane and Spokane Valley through Sunday evening and into Monday.
Sensitive groups include those who are likely to experience health problems from breathing in smoke. Some sensitive individuals may have lung disease, respiratory infections or heart problems. Other sensitive individuals include adults over 65, children under 18 and pregnant women.
For more information on the air quality, visit www.spokanecleanair.org.
COPYRIGHT 2025 BY KXLY. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. THIS MATERIAL MAY NOT BE PUBLISHED, BROADCAST, REWRITTEN OR REDISTRIBUTED.
