Air Quality So Poor 'Limit Time Outdoors,' Health Department Says

PUYALLUP, WA - Air quality around the region has gotten so bad, the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department is warning all local residents to limit outdoor time. Smoke from wildfires burning in British Columbia is blanketing the region, and the smoke is predicted to stay through the weekend. Due to wind patterns, air quality is worse in some specific areas.

Air monitoring stations in Tacoma and Puyallup rate the air as "unhealthy," according to the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency. At that level, the air is considered hazardous to everyone, not just people with existing health problems.

On Thursday, the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department said in a statement that health experts are "urg[ing] residents to limit time outdoors."

“The unhealthy air quality can make it difficult to breathe, even for healthy people,” Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department Environmental Health Specialist Judy Olsen said. “Hot weather can complicate the situation for some people, so residents should consult their doctors if they have questions."

Compounding the smoke: there's an excessive heat warning in effect for the region until 9 p.m. Friday. But temperatures are expected to remain in the upper 80s and 90s all weekend.

Meanwhile, a stage one burn ban remains in effect for most of Puget Sound, which means no fires or charcoal barbecues are allowed. Violating the ban carries a $1,000 fine.

Image via King County Health Department