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Public Safety

Air Quality Tips, Fire Mobilizations

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Air Quality Awareness: On July 13, 2026, the State Fire Marshal’s Office issued guidance on managing wildfire smoke exposure. The advisory highlights risks for children, elderly, and those with respiratory conditions. It recommends using air filters at home, wearing respirators outdoors, and monitoring for symptoms like coughing or shortness of breath. The State Fire Marshal’s Office provided contact information at (360) 596-3904 and a link to the AirNow Fire and Smoke Map.

Fire Mobilizations: On July 9, 2026, the B and O Fire began in Okanogan County, burning 2,000 acres and threatening homes. State resources were mobilized under the Washington State Fire Services Resource Mobilization Plan. On July 8, the Ryegrass Coulee Fire started in Kittitas County, burning 600 acres near Vantage, also triggering state assistance. Both fires have Level 2 and Level 3 evacuations in effect. State Fire Marshal’s Office personnel are coordinating the dispatch of five wildland strike teams to aid containment efforts.

📄 Source: Washington State Patrol — https://wsp.wa.gov/
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    Air Quality Awareness: On July 13, 2026, the State Fire Marshal’s Office issued guidance on managing wildfire smoke exposure“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 advisory highlights risks for children, elderly, and those with respiratory 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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    It recommends using air filters at home“Use air filters in your home to ensure a safe space for respite from outside smoke.”
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    It recommends wearing respirators outdoors“When outside, use a respirator to filter out smoke from the air.”
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    It recommends monitoring for 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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    The State Fire Marshal’s Office provided contact information at (360) 596-3904“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 .”
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    The State Fire Marshal’s Office provided a link to the AirNow Fire and Smoke Map“Check out resources such as the AirNow Fire and Smoke Map to get a real-time look at air quality in your area.”
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    Fire Mobilizations: On July 9, 2026, the B and O Fire began in Okanogan County“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 burned 2,000 acres“This fire is estimated at 2,000 acres and growing.”
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    The B and O Fire threatened homes“It is burning in grass and brush, and is threatening homes, infrastructure, and public safety.”
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    State resources were mobilized under the Washington State Fire Services Resource Mobilization Plan“State fire assistance has been mobilized under the Washington State Fire Services Resource Mobilization Plan in support of local firefighters working to contain the B and O Fire located in Okanogan County, near the town of Okanogan.”
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    On July 8, the Ryegrass Coulee Fire started in Kittitas County“July 8, 2026 Kittitas County – 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. The Ryegrass Coulee Fire started on July 8, 2026, at approximately 4:51 p.m.”
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    The Ryegrass Coulee Fire burned 600 acres“This fire is estimated at 600 acres and growing.”
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    The Ryegrass Coulee Fire was near Vantage“The Ryegrass Coulee Fire located in Kittitas County, near Vantage.”
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    The Ryegrass Coulee Fire triggered state assistance“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.”
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    Both fires have Level 2 and Level 3 evacuations in effect“Level 2 and Level 3 evacuations are in effect at this time.”
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    State Fire Marshal’s Office personnel are coordinating the dispatch of five wildland strike teams“State Fire Marshal’s Office personnel are both en route and working remotely to coordinate the dispatch of resources.”
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    State Fire Marshal’s Office personnel are coordinating the dispatch of wildland strike teams to aid containment efforts“State Fire Marshal’s Office personnel are both en route and working remotely to coordinate the dispatch of resources.”

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