Watch Wildfire Smoke Engulf An Entire City

SEATTLE, WA - Like an extremely unhealthy magic trick, Seattle and cities around the region disappeared behind a curtain of wildfire smoke Monday. The air has been declared "unhealthy for all," and forecasts indicate the haze will stay until Wednesday evening.

The smoke is so bad, some Puget Sound residents have taken to wearing masks, or installing homemade air filters. Local governments are asking commuters to opt for public transportation to reduce exhaust emissions. And in a region known for its outdoor sports opportunities, health experts are warning against strenuous activities like biking, running, and hiking.

In the meantime, the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency has issued a stage 1 burn ban for Pierce, King, Snohomish, and Kitsap counties. That means no charcoal barbecues, no recreational fires, and no chimney fires.

Here's what Seattle looked like on Monday afternoon.

Downtown Seattle seen from Pigeon Point in West Seattle. On a clear day, this is one of the best views of the Seattle skyline.

Downtown Seattle seen from Jefferson Park on Beacon Hill. This view is just 2 miles south of the downtown area.

This photo, taken in 2014, shows the view from Jefferson Park on a clear day.

Safeco Field, home of the Seattle Mariners, seen from the Jose Rizal Bridge. On a clear day, you can see the West Seattle ridge behind the stadium.

Union Station in the International District. The smoke was so thick Monday, you could look directly at the sun (but don't, it's still bad for your eyes).

Health experts warned against strenuous activity. But scores of people working outdoors still had to show up for work. This construction worker was at an apartment building under construction along Jackson Street.

I-5 at the beginning of the Monday evening rush hour. This view is looking north through downtown.

The Ash Grove Cement plant in the Georgetown neighborhood usually billows white smoke over the city. But if it was on Monday, you couldn't tell.

The Columbia Center, Seattle's tallest building, seen from the International District.

That building at left with the flag on top? That's Starbucks headquarters.

Caption: The photo on the left shows Seattle on a clear day seen from Jose Rizal Park in the Beacon Hill neighborhood. The picture at right is what it looked like Monday.

Photos by Neal McNamara/Patch