Smoke from area wildfires has lowered air quality in the Vancouver area back to unhealthy levels for sensitive groups, and more fires may be on the way with continued dry and windy weather throughout the day.
Data from a state air monitoring network showed pollution levels rising overnight in Vancouver. Air quality stations in Yacolt and Longview were also elevated, though at lower levels.
The National Weather Service has issued an smoke air quality advisory for the region until noon Thursday, with air quality reaching unhealthy levels at times until at least Thursday afternoon.
“Pollutants in smoke can cause burning eyes, runny nose, aggravate heart and lung diseases, and aggravate other serious health problems,” the advisory said “Avoid strenuous outdoor activity. Stay indoors if possible, and keep windows and doors closed.”
The advisory suggested using high efficiency particulate air filters if possible, and it cautioned those with heart or lung conditions to follow medical advice.
The air quality issues linger as the region continues to experience gusty winds and extremely low humidity. A National Weather Service red flag warning for critical fire weather is predicting winds from the northeast to east from 15-25 mph with gusts up to 45 mph throughout the day, with the strongest winds will be in Portland’s West Hills and areas east of Interstate 205.
Winds will begin to subside this evening, but gusts up to 25 mph remain likely, the advisory said. The red flag warning is set to expire at 8 p.m. tonight.
As of 9 a.m., 853 customers were without power, according to Clark Public Utilities. It reported that power had recently been stored to 1,831 customers.
Humidity usually rises overnight, but the dry air mass has left humidity levels as low as 15 percent as of just before 5 a.m. This, combined with temperatures forecast near 90 degrees and continued gusty winds, create conditions for rapid fire spread.
The county announced Tuesday afternoon that it was prohibiting recreational fires in unincorporated areas due to extreme fire danger. The restriction is in addition to the general outdoor burning prohibition implemented on July 15.
Interim Clark County Fire Marshal Dan Young the recreational ban is a preventive measure to reduce the risk of grass or brush fires as a result of escaped campfires.
Vancouver Fire Marshal Heidi Scarpelli has also issued a total recreational burning ban in the city. All outdoor burning is prohibited within the city limits. Scarpelli said the ban is due to weather conditions and safety needs, and will remain in effect until weather and fire danger conditions improve. Cooking outdoors in approved propane or charcoal barbecues is allowed.
