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The Chelan-Douglas Health District (CDHD) Board of Health declared a Wildfire Smoke and Hazardous Air Quality Emergency on August 6, 2026“Wenatchee, WA – August 6, 2026 – In response to hazardous wildfire smoke impacting air quality throughout Chelan and Douglas counties, the Chelan-Douglas Health District (CDHD) Board of Health has approved a resolution declaring a Wildfire Smoke and Hazardous Air Quality Emergency within the district's jurisdiction.”
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The declaration is for Chelan and Douglas counties“Chelan-Douglas Health District Board Declares Smoke Emergency for Chelan and Douglas Counties”
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The action recognizes the health risks from prolonged wildfire smoke exposure“The declaration recognizes the significant health risks associated with prolonged exposure to wildfire smoke and supports coordinated community actions to protect the health and safety of residents, visitors, workers, and those participating in outdoor activities.”
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The action supports community efforts to protect residents“The declaration recognizes the significant health risks associated with prolonged exposure to wildfire smoke and supports coordinated community actions to protect the health and safety of residents, visitors, workers, and those participating in outdoor activities.”
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The declaration includes specific guidance for event organizers“Guidance for Event Organizers Organizations planning public events should carefully evaluate whether activities can be conducted safely during periods of poor air quality. Decisions should consider: Current Air Quality Index (AQI) conditions Expected duration of smoke exposure Level of physical exertion required Whether attendees include individuals at increased risk for smoke-related illness Higher-risk populations include: Infants, children, and adolescents (especially children under age 5) Adults over age 65 Pregnant individuals People with asthma, COPD, heart disease, or other chronic medical conditions People who smoke Outdoor workers Individuals with limited access to healthcare People experiencing homelessness or unstable housing Individuals with low socioeconomic status Members of racial and ethnic minority populations People with disabilities Event organizers should consider offering indoor alternatives, providing N95 respirators when appropriate, or cancelling events earlier when higher-risk populations are expected to attend.”
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The declaration includes specific guidance for employers“Guidance for Employers
Employers should evaluate workplace conditions and implement appropriate measures to protect employees who work outdoors or in environments affected by wildfire smoke. Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) has requirements and recommendations for protecting workers during wildfire smoke events, including respiratory protection and work practice controls.”
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The declaration includes specific guidance for residents“How Residents Can Protect Their Health During periods of wildfire smoke, CDHD recommends everyone take steps to reduce smoke exposure: Monitor local air quality conditions before spending time outdoors. Limit outdoor activities and remain indoors whenever possible. Keep windows and doors closed when outdoor air quality is poor. Use portable HEPA air cleaners or high-efficiency HVAC filtration to improve indoor air quality. Wear a properly fitted N95 respirator if you must be outdoors in smoky conditions. Seek cleaner air shelters or other public spaces with filtered air if you cannot maintain healthy indoor air at home. North Central Regional Library (NCW Libraries) branches serve as clean air relief spaces. Stay well hydrated and reduce strenuous physical activity outdoors. Individuals experiencing worsening symptoms such as persistent coughing, wheezing, difficulty breathing, chest pain, or shortness of breath should seek prompt medical evaluation.”
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Event organizers must consider current air quality when planning outdoor activities“Organizations planning public events should carefully evaluate whether activities can be conducted safely during periods of poor air quality. Decisions should consider: Current Air Quality Index (AQI) conditions Expected duration of smoke exposure Level of physical exertion required Whether attendees include individuals at increased risk for smoke-related illness”
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Event organizers must consider the duration of smoke when planning outdoor activities“Event organizers should carefully evaluate whether activities can be conducted safely during periods of poor air quality. Decisions should consider: Current Air Quality Index (AQI) conditions Expected duration of smoke exposure Level of physical exertion required Whether attendees include individuals at increased risk for smoke-related illness”
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Event organizers must consider attendee health risks when planning outdoor activities“Event organizers should consider offering indoor alternatives, providing N95 respirators when appropriate, or cancelling events earlier when higher-risk populations are expected to attend.”
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Residents are advised to stay indoors“Limit outdoor activities and remain indoors whenever possible.”
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Residents are advised to use HEPA filters“Use portable HEPA air cleaners or high-efficiency HVAC filtration to improve indoor air quality.”
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Residents are advised to seek clean air shelters at North Central Regional Library branches“North Central Regional Library (NCW Libraries) branches serve as clean air relief spaces.”
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The CDHD recommends indoor relocation if air quality remains hazardous“If indoor air quality cannot be maintained below an AQI of 201, individuals should relocate to a safer location with cleaner air.”
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CDHD advises monitoring air quality“Monitor local air quality conditions before spending time outdoors.”
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CDHD encourages following AQI-based guidelines“Recommended Actions by Air Quality Index (AQI) AQI 101–150 (Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups) Sensitive populations should minimize time outdoors. Consider postponing or cancelling outdoor events involving children and other higher-risk groups. AQI 151–200 (Unhealthy) Everyone should minimize prolonged outdoor activity. Children's events should be moved indoors or postponed/cancelled. AQI 201 or Greater (Very Unhealthy/Hazardous) Outdoor public events should be moved indoors or postponed/cancelled. If indoor air quality cannot be maintained below an AQI of 201, individuals should relocate to a safer location with cleaner air.”
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Outdoor events should be canceled if AQI reaches 201 or higher“AQI 201 or Greater (Very Unhealthy/Hazardous) Outdoor public events should be moved indoors or postponed/cancelled.”
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The district encourages using N95 masks outdoors“Wear a properly fitted N95 respirator if you must be outdoors in smoky conditions.”
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The district encourages seeking medical care for worsening respiratory symptoms“Individuals experiencing worsening symptoms such as persistent coughing, wheezing, difficulty breathing, chest pain, or shortness of breath should seek prompt medical evaluation.”