Chelan-Douglas Health District Declares Smoke Emergency

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  The Chelan-Douglas Health District (CDHD) Board of Health declared a Wildfire Smoke and Hazardous Air Quality Emergency for Chelan and Douglas counties“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 was made 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 recognizes 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 declaration provides guidelines 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 provides guidelines 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 pr”
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  The declaration provides guidelines 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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  The declaration recommends moving outdoor events indoors when Air Quality Index (AQI) levels reach 151 or higher“AQI 151–200 (Unhealthy) Everyone should minimize prolonged outdoor activity. Children's events should be moved indoors or postponed/cancelled.”
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  The declaration recommends canceling outdoor events when Air Quality Index (AQI) levels reach 151 or higher“AQI 151–200 (Unhealthy) Everyone should minimize prolonged outdoor activity. Children's events should be moved indoors or postponed/cancelled.”
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  The CDHD resolution is available on its website“A copy of the full resolution can be found on the district's website.”
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  The resolution includes recommendations for higher-risk groups“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”
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  The higher-risk groups include children under 5“Higher-risk populations include: Infants, children, and adolescents (especially children under age 5)”
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  The higher-risk groups include seniors“Adults over age 65”
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  The higher-risk groups include individuals with pre-existing health conditions“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”