Air Quality Advisory, Two Fires Prompt State Response

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  State fire resources were mobilized on July 9“Washington State Patrol Chief John Batiste authorized the mobilization of state firefighting resources on July 9, 2026, at 5:15 p.m. at the request of Fire Chief Brad Armstrong, Okanogan County Fire District 3.”
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  State fire resources were mobilized on July 8“State fire assistance has been mobilized under the Washington State Fire Services Resource Mobilization Plan in support of local firefighters working to contain the Ryegrass Coulee Fire located in Kittitas County, near Vantage. Washington State Patrol Chief John Batiste authorized the mobilization of state firefighting resources on July 8, 2026, at 7:45 p.m. at the request of Fire Chief William Rose, Kittitas County Fire District 4.”
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  Two wildfires threatening communities in Okanogan and Kittitas counties were addressed“State Fire Mobilization Authorized for the B and O Fire — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 01:49:21 +0000 July 9, 2026 Okanogan County – State fire assistance has been mobilized under the Washington State Fire Services Resource Mobilization Plan in support of local firefighters working to contain the B and O Fire located in Okanogan County, near the town of Okanogan. ... State Fire Mobilization Authorized for the Ryegrass Coulee Fire — Thu, 09 Jul 2026 04:43:11 +0000 July 8, 2026 Kittitas County – State fire assistance has been mobilized under the Washington State Fire Services Resource Mobilization Plan in support of local firefighters working to contain the Ryegrass Coulee Fire located in Kittitas County, near Vantage.”
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  The B and O Fire in Okanogan County started July 9 at 2:14 p.m.“The B and O Fire started on July 9, 2026, at approximately 2:14 p.m.”
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  The B and O Fire in Okanogan County is burning 2,000 acres“This fire is estimated at 2,000 acres and growing.”
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  The B and O Fire in Okanogan County is causing Level 2 and 3 evacuations“Level 2 and Level 3 evacuations are in effect at this time.”
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  The Ryegrass Coulee Fire near Vantage started July 8 at 4:51 p.m.“The Ryegrass Coulee Fire started on July 8, 2026, at approximately 4:51 p.m.”
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  The Ryegrass Coulee Fire near Vantage is 600 acres“This fire is estimated at 600 acres and growing.”
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  The Ryegrass Coulee Fire near Vantage is also triggering evacuations“Level 2 and Level 3 evacuations are in effect at this time.”
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  Both fires are burning in grass, brush, and timberNo usable supporting receipt — unverified.
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  The State Fire Marshal’s Office issued an air quality awareness notice on July 13“Air Quality Awareness — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 23:22:48 +0000 July 13, 2026 Olympia – Exposure to wildfire smoke can lead to a range of health issues, particularly for sensitive groups such as children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing respiratory or cardiovascular conditions. The toxic gases and fine particles in smoke can exacerbate asthma, cause respiratory infections, and lead to other serious health problems. During wildfire season, be sure to check air quality before engaging in outdoor activities, especially if you are sensitive to pollutants and irritants. Check out resources such as the AirNow Fire and Smoke Map to get a real-time look at air quality in your area. The State Fire Marshal’s Office recommends the following tips: Use air filters in your home to ensure a safe space for respite from outside smoke. When outside, use a respirator to filter out smoke from the air. Pay attention to your health, and watch for symptoms of unsafe exposure such as wheezing, coughing, dizziness, headache, or shortness of breath. Keep track of fires near you so that you can adequately prepare yourself for potential air quality events. For more information, contact the State Fire Marshal’s Office at (360) 596-3904 . ### Release sent by Deputy State Fire Marshal Courtney Chambers The post Air Quality Awareness appeared first on Washington State Patrol . Source: https://wsp.wa.gov/air-quality-awareness/”
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  The State Fire Marshal’s Office advised residents to monitor smoke levelsNo usable supporting receipt — unverified.
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  The State Fire Marshal’s Office advised residents to use air filters indoors“Use air filters in your home to ensure a safe space for respite from outside smoke.”
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  The State Fire Marshal’s Office advised residents to wear respirators outdoorsNo usable supporting receipt — unverified.
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  The State Fire Marshal’s Office warns that smoke can cause health issues for children“Exposure to wildfire smoke can lead to a range of health issues, particularly for sensitive groups such as children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing respiratory or cardiovascular conditions.”
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  The State Fire Marshal’s Office warns that smoke can cause health issues for elderly“Exposure to wildfire smoke can lead to a range of health issues, particularly for sensitive groups such as children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing respiratory or cardiovascular conditions.”
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  The State Fire Marshal’s Office warns that smoke can cause health issues for those with respiratory conditions“Exposure to wildfire smoke can lead to a range of health issues, particularly for sensitive groups such as children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing respiratory or cardiovascular conditions. The toxic gases and fine particles in smoke can exacerbate asthma, cause respiratory infections, and lead to other serious health problems.”
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  Evacuation levels and fire updates are available through the State Emergency Operations Center at Camp MurrayNo usable supporting receipt — unverified.