Smoke from wildfires is affecting some areas in King County today and tomorrow. While the forecast has smoke decreasing later this week, air quality may change frequently throughout the day, and may be different from location to location. Check airnow.gov and Puget Sound Clean Air Agency for updates.

King County departments are implementing standard operating procedures and providing safety guidance for employees who are working outside in smoky conditions. This includes limiting outdoor work and issuing masks. DES Fleet Stores has ample supply of N95 masks for employees. Section Managers and Division Safety Officers can submit requests for N95 masks to the DES Fleet Stores Expeditor.

Wildfire smoke may cause headaches and irritation of your eyes, nose and throat for everyone and serious health problems for high-risk groups. People who are most sensitive to wildfire smoke are pregnant women, children, people over the age of 65, and those with heart or respiratory conditions such as heart disease, asthma, COPD, diabetes, and stroke survivors. If your health conditions get worse around smoke, contact your health care provider. Call 9-1-1 if you or someone else has serious symptoms, like trouble breathing. Get more information on how to prepare for wildfire smoke.

More information

• kingcounty.gov/wildfiresmoke (includes many resources, including downloadable graphics for sharing)
• How to improve indoor air at home (Español – Spanish)

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