SPOKANE, Wash. — Spokane's air quality moved into the "good" range Sunday morning after a week of air quality indexes ranging from unhealthy to hazardous.
Spokane's air quality has ranged from hazardous to unhealthy levels since last Saturday. While that has steadily improved since Sunday back into the unhealthy category, it took a full week for Spokane to see clean air again, with an AQI reading of 27.
Here's what you need to know right now:
Scroll down for the latest updates on air quality and closures in the Spokane area.
Current air quality
- Spokane: Good, Air quality index of 27 out of 500.
- Coeur d'Alene: Good, air quality index at 21 out of 500
Other areas in NW report clean air after unhealthy week
- Air quality across Puget Sound is considered "good," according to AIRNow.
- Most areas of western Oregon have seen air quality improvements but are still ranging from good to unhealthy.
City closes safer air center
The City of Spokane is deactivating the temporary, drop-in safer air center as air quality conditions are expected to steadily improve.
The safer air shelter at the Spokane Convention Center has served nearly 200 people, a city spokesperson said. It closed as of 8 a.m. on Friday.
Tips to protect yourself from smoke
The Washington Department of Health recommends these tips to take care of yourself and your family when air quality is poor due to wildfire smoke:
- Stay indoors and keep indoor air as clean as possible. Due to COVID-19, it may not be safe to seek clean air in a public place.
- Keep your home’s windows and doors closed when the outside air is smoky. Only open windows once the air quality has improved. Keep curtains drawn and blinds down to prevent it from getting too hot.
- If you run an air conditioner, set it to re-circulate and close the fresh air intake.
- Don’t add to air pollution by avoiding using candles, fireplaces or gas stoves, and don’t smoke indoors.
- Don’t vacuum unless your vacuum has a HEPA air filter, because it stirs up particles already inside the house.
- Create a DIY air filter using a box fan and a filter with a MERV 13 rating to improve air quality inside your home.
- Avoid physical exertion outside.
- Avoid driving, but if you must drive, keep the windows rolled up and turn on the air conditioner.