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Kittitas (pronounced 'KITT-i-tass') County is located in central Washington State. It spans from the lush forested Cascade Mountains to the upper Yakima River Valley plains and the Columbia River.
Kittitas County, WA - 08/04/2014 - Air Quality in Kittitas County is fluctuating as a result of the Snag Canyon Fire. The Kittitas County Public Health Department (KCPHD) wants to remind residents of air quality issues that result from wildfire smoke. On Sunday, August 3rd, air quality was unhealthy for sensitive groups, but as of 8:00am on Monday, August 4th, the air quality was good.
Smoke from wildfire contains gases and fine particles that can cause burning to the eyes. The gases and fine particles can also be inhaled deep into your lungs, which makes it harder to breathe and can worsen other health conditions like asthma, according to the Washington State Department of Health (DOH). Residents can access air quality information at any time via the Washington Air Quality Advisory (WAQA) online https://fortress.wa.gov/ecy/enviwa/. WAQA is a tool that measures the air quality with categories ranging from “good” to “hazardous” air. If air quality conditions reach “unhealthy for sensitive groups,” KCPHD recommends that people with asthma, respiratory infections, and lung or heart disease limit time spent outdoors. KCPHD will inform Kittitas County residents of future air quality issues as a result of the Snag Canyon Fire. For more information about health concerns relating to air quality or informational resources, please contact KCPHD at (509)-962-7515.
Kittitas County, from the Cascades to the Columbia, and online at http://www.co.kittitas.wa.us
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Contact: Kasey Knutson, Public Information OfficerKittitas County Public Health Department509-962-7515