The Washington State Department of Ecology, Benton Clean Air Agency,
and the Yakima Regional Clean Air Agency have issued an Air Quality
Alert until further notice.

An Air Quality Alert has been issued for Benton, Columbia, Franklin,
Kittitas, Walla Walla and Yakima counties until further notice due
to expected wildfire smoke from regional fires. Expect some clearing
out and intermittent good air quality but with significant fires on
the landscape conditions can worsen quickly to unhealthy air. Be sure
to check air monitors in your area before outdoor activities.

People can take the following precautions to protect their health:

* Follow local burn restrictions to prevent deteriorating air
quality.
* Avoid strenuous outdoor activity in smoky conditions.
* People with heart or lung problems and young children are
especially vulnerable. These people should stay indoors while
smoke levels are high.
* Use certified High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters in
indoor heating ventilation, cooling, and air purification systems.
* Avoid using wood-burning stoves and other sources of indoor smoke
if possible.

Information from the Washington Department of Ecology web site is
available at http://www.ecy.wa.gov/air.html or call 360-407-6000.
Information from the Yakima Regional Clean Air Agency web site is
available at http://www.yakimacleanair.org or call 509-834-2050.
Information from the Benton County Clean Air Agency web site is
available at http://www.bentoncleanair.org or call 509-783-1304.