Every morning I woke to clear skies and clean air this summer, I gave thanks for what has been given. The forests, the trees, the plants breathe out what we need to breathe in, what we need to survive. I am grateful everyday for the trees in our city, the plants in my garden, home and office. The wildfires make their job even more essential. Give thanks for the trees! And when they are burning, they need not only our love and attention, but out advocacy and activism. Protect the forests. Wildfires are a call to take care of ourselves and extend that care into our environment. Please use the following information as a resource.

GET INVOLVED: with The Nature Conservancy

READ 10 Things You Can Do To Protect the Forest

And take care of yourself during times of smoke intensity.

Here is some very helpful information as provided by the City of Seattle on Wednesday, September 21, 2022

Wildfire smoke is continuing to move into the Seattle area. Air quality is now Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups in most areas and Unhealthy for everyone in some areas. 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.

Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups: Members of sensitive groups may experience health effects. The general public is less likely to be affected. The following sensitive groups should especially take precautions: infants, children, and people over 65, or those who are pregnant, have heart or lung diseases (such as asthma or COPD), respiratory infections, diabetes, stroke survivors, or are suffering from COVID-19.
Unhealthy: Some members of the general public may experience health effects; members of sensitive groups may experience more serious health effects.

Avoid health effects from smoke by reducing time spent outdoors. Limit your physical activity outdoors (including running, biking, physical labor, and sports) when:

The smoke level is “moderate” or worse if you have a health condition (like asthma, heart disease, diabetes, or a cold)
The smoke level is “unhealthy for sensitive groups” or worse if you are pregnant, over age 65, a child or an infant
The smoke level is “unhealthy for everyone.”

You can improve the air quality indoors with a simple DIY Box Fan Air Filter (WA Department of Ecology YouTube).

Check with your health care provider for more specific health questions and concerns about the effects of smoke. Seek medical attention if symptoms are serious.

Air quality monitors and information

Safety and preparedness information