ARTICLE SEARCH

Washington wildfires create smoky haze over Fairchild

Published July 18, 2014
92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- A cluster of four Washington wildfires have burned up to 100 homes and swelled to more than 260 square miles creating smoke and ash-filled skies over Fairchild Air Force Base July 18.

"The winds are coming from the west where the fires are," said Tim Scheidt from the 92nd Operations Support Squadron weather flight. "These conditions will possibly continue into the weekend with the worst smoke in the morning."

Fires were ignited by lightning on July 14 and fueled by dry timber and grass resulting from current drought-like conditions. The worst of the four fires forced closure of highways 20 and 153 and cut power to the Methow Valley, a premier resort area. The entire town of Pateros -- along the Columbia River -- was evacuated late Thursday, July 17, and the 700 residents were ordered not to return to their homes July 18. Evacuation warnings were also issued for parts of Brewster, northeast along the river.

While Fairchild is not directly impacted by the fires, the smoke and ash may have medical implications, according to Washington State Department of Health officials. The fires are causing poor air quality in areas surrounding the fires. Wildfires contain fine particles and toxic chemicals that can be dangerous to breathe.

State Health officials say that people who have conditions like asthma, bronchitis, and heart disease, as well as older adults and children are particularly at risk and can develop serious health problems when they breathe polluted air. For more information, visit the Washington State Department of Health public website at www.doh.wa.gov.