SPOKANE, Wash. — Wildfire smoke has forced Spokane Public Schools to move all after-school sports practices indoors as air quality reaches unhealthy levels.
The district canceled outdoor activities for sports teams as air quality monitors expect conditions to reach the unhealthy range and stay there Thursday. Spokane Public Schools was the only district that moved practices inside.
Air quality reached unhealthy levels for sensitive groups Wednesday evening. Coaches at North Central High School moved activities indoors because of air quality and heat.
People still walked around downtown Spokane despite the smoky conditions. Many noticed the skies getting smokier in the afternoon.
“I’m not a smoker, I don’t want to breathe smoke,” said Mark Sipe, who works downtown.
Visitors from out of state saw smoke across the region.
“We drove in from Sandpoint, Idaho and the entire way, there was a haze from the wildfires in the area,” said Ed Miller, a visitor. “We were in the mountains too and you could see the haze. We were in Glacier National Park, you could still see the haze over there.”
The Spokane Clean Air Agency recommends people stay indoors with windows and doors closed.
“Avoid any kind of prolonged exertion outdoors. Stay inside as much as you can with doors and windows closed,” said Mark Rowe, air monitoring manager for the Spokane Clean Air Agency.
Some people are taking extra precautions by checking air quality before going outside.
“If I’m going for a long bike ride, in the past I’ve either looked at the map and driven to a place where the air quality is better or I’ve worn a lead paint removal respirator,” Sipe said.
Others aren’t worried yet.
“I’m sure it would if it’s affecting breathing quality. It did before but since this isn’t the first time, I’m past the worry point,” said Miller.
The Spokane Clean Air Agency recommends checking air quality on its website. The agency says air quality will likely improve by the weekend with weather changes.
Experts say it’s important to check on children and elderly residents when air quality gets bad.
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