A quick look at the fire and smoke map at the top of this page reveals that the Yakima area is currently experiencing some of the worst air quality in the state. Since the Schneider Springs fire broke out on August 3, there have only been six days Good Air quality in Yakima Prefecture. Compared to the rest of the state since the start of the Schneider Springs fire, Yakima County has had the most days in other than good AQI classes.
The animation below depicts daily PM2.5 values from both Regulatory monitors (determined solid circuits) and Low cost sensors (Transparent circles, no diagram) in Yakima Prefecture since the start of the fire – circle size correlates with daily PM2.5 concentration. Bigger circles = more smoke.
How does air quality compare to the terrible air quality of 2020 as well as previous years? The good news is that there haven’t been any hazardous air quality days this year. So far this summer looks similar to the 2018 wildfire season in Yakima Prefecture.
Unfortunately, the fire is still active, and smoke will likely continue to affect Yakima Prefecture. Check the Smoke Outlooks tab for daily updates, and check out these tips from DOH on protecting indoor air quality from smoke outside.
