Tri-Cities Poor Air Quality ALERT Issued Due to Wildfire Smoke

The air quality in Tri-Cities/tags/tri-cities/tags/tri-cities has been deemed unhealthy as wildfires continue. The bad air will linger for most of the week. According to Airnow.gov, air was rated as unhealthy for sensitive groups. Wildfire smoke is the cause.

Get our free mobile app

Sensors in Othello, Moses Lake, and Dayton show "very unhealthy" air. Tri-Cities, Spokane, and Mesa report "unhealthy" air.

Airnow.gov is a partnership with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and several other groups to determine air quality index levels. The website features a fire and smoke map.

In areas where air is rated unhealthy, people with heart or lung disease, older adults, children and teens should avoid strenuous outdoor activities. Limit time in the outdoors, and consider moving physical activities indoors.

Everyone else should choose less strenuous activities. Choose to walk instead of running. Limit your time outdoors. Be mindful of your time in the elements and make sure to stay hydrated.

A result of the poor air quality alert, the City of Yakima Franklin Pool is closed on Tuesday.

Veterinarians also advise pet owners to keep pets inside. Take your pets out for walks during cooler times of the day. Pay close attention to your pets in the extreme heat and unhealthy air conditions. Make sure your pets have fresh cold water.

And, remember, NEVER leave your pets in a hot vehicle. Leave your pets at home. If it's too hot for us, it's way too hot for them.