April 23, 2025 – In its annual State of the Air report released today, the American Lung Association (ALA) ranks air quality in the Spokane metro area poorly for fine particle pollution. The ranking is based on air quality data over a three-year period (2021-2023), during which air quality failed to meet the 24-hour standard on multiple days due to wildfire smoke.
“The annual ALA ranking is not favorable again this year, as expected,” according to April Westby, executive director of the Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency. “While we had much better air quality last summer, that data won’t be reflected until next year’s report,” added Westby.
“Overall, air quality in Spokane County has improved significantly from the 1970s through the 1990s. We now experience unhealthy air quality on some summer days due to wildfires,” added Westby. “We are not alone. The majority of the top 25 cities listed in ALA’s report for high daily particle pollution are located in the west and have experienced severe wildfires in recent years.”
Smoke from wildfires contributes to unhealthy air quality which affects us all. Microscopic smoke particles are especially harmful to infants and children, adults 65 years old and older, pregnant women, those suffering from existing health conditions, and other vulnerable individuals. In addition to public health, our quality of life and our economy can be negatively affected by smoke.
Spokane Clean Air encourages everyone to do their part to reduce wildfire risk and shares these tips from the Washington State Department of Natural Resources:
- Work in the mornings or late evenings to avoid the hottest parts of the day, and postpone your work when the weather calls for low humidity or high wind
- Keep a water hose or bucket or fire extinguisher on hand
- Use a nylon or plastic weed whacker line instead of metal
- Be careful not to set a hot tool down on dry grass or leaves
- Allow power engines to cool before refueling, and make sure the hot exhaust is kept away from dry grasses, weeds, and shrubs – only use such equipment that’s in good repair and has spark arresters installed. when applicable
- Stay home for an hour after finishing your work – this way you’ll be around to notice if anything begins to smolder and smoke
- More wildfire prevention tips can be found at www.dnr.wa.gov/WildfirePrevention
