SPOKANE, Wash – Smoke from a new wildfire burning near the Canadian border has settled over the Inland Northwest, leading to unhealthy air quality across much of the region.
The fire that started last night north of Bonners Ferry sent smoke south in the early morning hours Thursday.
By 11:30 am, that smoke moved air quality into the unhealthy for sensitive groups category, with a reading midday at 121.
When air quality hits 151, it’s considered unhealthy for everyone.
Spokane Regional Health says the air quality should improve into the moderate range later Thursday and back to good on Friday.
Anyone with sensitivity to bad air quality should limit outdoor exposure.
Symptoms of smoke exposure can include coughing, scratchy throat, irritated sinuses, stinging eyes, runny nose, shortness of breath, chest pain, and headaches.
People who have heart disease might experience chest pain, a rapid or irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, and fatigue.
You can monitor the changing conditions at the Spokane Regional Clean Air Authority website.
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