Air Quality Advisory Issued, Two Fires Grow

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  The State Fire Marshal’s Office issued an air quality awareness notice on July 13, 2026“Air Quality Awareness — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 23:22:48 +0000 July 13, 2026 Olympia – Exposure to wildfire smoke can lead to a range of health issues, particularly for sensitive groups such as children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing respiratory or cardiovascular conditions. The toxic gases and fine particles in smoke can exacerbate asthma, cause respiratory infections, and lead to other serious health problems. During wildfire season, be sure to check air quality before engaging in outdoor activities, especially if you are sensitive to pollutants and irritants. Check out resources such as the AirNow Fire and Smoke Map to get a real-time look at air quality in your area. The State Fire Marshal’s Office recommends the following tips: Use air filters in your home to ensure a safe space for respite from outside smoke. When outside, use a respirator to filter out smoke from the air. Pay attention to your health, and watch for symptoms of unsafe exposure such as wheezing, coughing, dizziness, headache, or shortness of breath. Keep track of fires near you so that you can adequately prepare yourself for potential air quality events. For more information, contact the State Fire Marshal’s Office at (360) 596-3904 . ### Release sent by Deputy State Fire Marshal Courtney Chambers The post Air Quality Awareness appeared first on Washington State Patrol . Source: https://wsp.wa.gov/air-quality-awareness/”
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  The notice was sent by Deputy State Fire Marshal Courtney Chambers“### Release sent by Deputy State Fire Marshal Courtney Chambers The post Air Quality Awareness appeared first on Washington State Patrol .”
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  The notice highlights risks for childrenNo usable supporting receipt — unverified.
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  The notice highlights risks for the elderlyNo usable supporting receipt — unverified.
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  The notice highlights risks for those with respiratory or heart conditions“Exposure to wildfire smoke can lead to a range of health issues, particularly for sensitive groups such as children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing respiratory or cardiovascular conditions.”
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  The notice recommends using air filters indoors“Use air filters in your home to ensure a safe space for respite from outside smoke.”
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  The notice recommends wearing respirators outdoors“When outside, use a respirator to filter out smoke from the air.”
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  The notice recommends monitoring symptoms like coughing or shortness of breath“Pay attention to your health, and watch for symptoms of unsafe exposure such as wheezing, coughing, dizziness, headache, or shortness of breath.”
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  State fire assistance was mobilized on July 9“Washington State Patrol Chief John Batiste authorized the mobilization of state firefighting resources on July 9, 2026, at 5:15 p.m. at the request of Fire Chief Brad Armstrong, Okanogan County Fire District 3.”
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  The B and O Fire in Okanogan County started on July 9“The B and O Fire started on July 9, 2026, at approximately 2:14 p.m.”
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  The B and O Fire in Okanogan County started at 2:14 p.m.“The B and O Fire started on July 9, 2026, at approximately 2:14 p.m.”
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  The B and O Fire in Okanogan County has burned 2,000 acres“This fire is estimated at 2,000 acres and growing.”
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  State resources were activated on July 8 for the Ryegrass Coulee Fire near Vantage“State fire assistance has been mobilized under the Washington State Fire Services Resource Mobilization Plan in support of local firefighters working to contain the Ryegrass Coulee Fire located in Kittitas County, near Vantage. Washington State Patrol Chief John Batiste authorized the mobilization of state firefighting resources on July 8, 2026, at 7:45 p.m. at the request of Fire Chief William Rose, Kittitas County Fire District 4.”
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  The Ryegrass Coulee Fire near Vantage began at 4:51 p.m.“The Ryegrass Coulee Fire started on July 8, 2026, at approximately 4:51 p.m.”
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  The Ryegrass Coulee Fire near Vantage covers 600 acres“This fire is estimated at 600 acres and growing.”
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  Both fires are threatening homes and infrastructure“It is burning in grass and brush, and is threatening homes, infrastructure, and public safety. ... It is burning in grass, brush, and timber and is threatening homes, power infrastructure, and structures in the community of Vantage.”
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  Both fires have evacuations in place“Level 2 and Level 3 evacuations are in effect at this time.”
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  The State Emergency Operations Center is at Level 2 activation to coordinate response“The State Emergency Operations Center at Camp Murray is activated to Level 2, partial activation, to help coordinate state assistance for the B and O Fire.”