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Why Puget Sound likely won t be seeing wildfire smoke this week
Varden/Cedar/Delancy fires near Mazama, WA on July 12, 2021.
Wildfires burning in Southeast Washington, the Methow Valley, and in the Yakima area are making the smoke moderately strong in those regions this week, but Western Washington looks likely to escape the unhealthy air for now.
The Washington State Department of Ecology issued an air quality warning to Asotin, Garfield and Whitman Counties, noting that the air quality could get up to levels that are unhealthy for sensitive groups.
But if counties west of the mountains get any smoke, it will not be from our own state’s fires.
Skagit Valley Hospital, other North Sound facilities filling up
Hospitalizations are trending up in the North Sound. (Nicole Jennings, KIRO Radio)
Skagit Valley Hospital is at full capacity, and it is not the only hospital in the northwestern part of the state feeling the pinch.
Skagit Regional Health Regional Vice President and Chief Medical Officer Dr. Connie Davis said visits to the ER, ICU, and hospital stays in general have all increased over the past month.
However, she said they are well-prepared to handle the skyrocketing numbers.
“We are at our capacity but being flexible like we are, and all that we’ve learned over the last year, year-and-a-half, we’ve been able to make space,” Davis said. “And our staff has been extremely responsive to the care needs.”
By Forrest Camire May 27, 2021 5:58 pm
KGMI
Following an extremely dry season, the Department of Ecology has issued a drought advisory warning for most of Washington State.
A drought advisory provides early warning of a possible drought, promoting awareness and readiness for water users in areas where drought conditions are developing.
Drought advisories are informational only, and include no emergency authorizations or funding. This is the first time the Department of Ecology has issued a drought advisory since it received the authority to do so from the Legislature in 2020.
Whatcom, Island, and Skagit Counties are not being advised for drought at this time.