Wildfire Smoke Advisory, Two Fires Grow

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  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 warns residents about health risks from wildfire smoke“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.”
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  The notice advises sensitive groups to use air filters and respirators when outside“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.”
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  The notice advises to monitor 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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  Washington State Patrol Chief John Batiste authorized state fire assistance for the B and O Fire in Okanogan County on July 9, 2026“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 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 reached 2,000 acres“This fire is estimated at 2,000 acres and growing.”
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  Level 2 and 3 evacuations are in effect for the B and O Fire“Level 2 and Level 3 evacuations are in effect at this time.”
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  State resources were mobilized for the Ryegrass Coulee Fire near Vantage on July 8“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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  The Ryegrass Coulee Fire near V.antage 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 covered 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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  Evacuations are in place for both fires“Level 2 and Level 3 evacuations are in effect at this time.”