They closed the swimming pools. Tri-Cities’ air is that bad

There was no swimming at Pasco’s Memorial Aquatic Park on Tuesday.

At noon on a warm August day there were no children playing in the park, no adults resting beneath its shade trees and no one was sipping on a snowcone in the pool area.

The city closed the pool, canceling both open swim and swim lessons because of the smoky air. Later, Richland did the same.

The air quality Tuesday was rated “unhealthy” for the second day in a row in the Tri-Cities, according to the Washington state Department of Ecology.

That means everyone is advised to limit time outdoors and avoid strenuous activities, both outdoors and indoors.

It’s particularly important for those most sensitive to poor air quality, including children, pregnant women and adults over than 65.

People who smoke, have a cold or have chronic health conditions also will be harder hit by the deteriorated air quality.

Chronic health conditions that put people at increased risk from the smoke include those with asthma, diabetes, who have had a stroke, or have heart or lung diseases.

The Benton Clean Air Agency recommends keeping windows closed, if possible.

Air conditioners should be set to “recirculate” and the fresh-air intake closed. Make sure the filter has been changed regularly.

An air cleaner with a high-efficiency particulate air filter can help improve indoor air.

If you do not have an air conditioner, it’s a good day to find a public place with clean, cool air, such as a library or community center.

Postpone activities that will add to indoor pollution, says the Washington state Department of Health.

You get a pass on vacuuming until the air clears unless your vacuum has a HEPA filter. Candles, incense and smoking also add to indoor air pollution.

The Washington State Patrol is asking drivers to turn their lights on to make them more visible in the haze.

People who are most vulnerable to the smoky air may want to discuss with their doctor whether they should be wearing a respiratory mask, according to the Benton Clean Air Agency.

They need to be rated N95 or N100 to be protective against smoke and can be purchased at hardware and home repair stores.

Typical symptoms from the smoky air include watery or dry eyes, coughing or wheezing, sinus irritation and headaches.

More serious symptoms can include shortness of breath, an irregular heartbeat and chest pain.

The smoke continues to drift down to the Tri-Cities from Canada adding to smoke from Washington state fires.

Thirteen large wildfires have burned more than 211 square miles in Washington state, while 10 large fires have scorched more than 256 square miles in Oregon, according to the National Interagency Fire Center.

About 600 wildfires are burning across British Columbia.

The smoke was helping to keep temperatures a little lower, with the temperature at 91 degrees at 4 p.m. at the Tri-Cities Airport. On Wednesday and Thursday the high should be close to 100 again.

The National Weather Service sees no end in sight for the smoky haze blanketing the Tri-Cities.

The early forecast for next week — Benton Franklin Fair & Rodeo week — predicts more haze, at least for the fair parade on Saturday and through early in the week.

Most of Eastern Washington and north central Oregon are under an air quality alert through at least noon Wednesday. The weather service plans to evaluate weather conditions then to determine whether it should be extended, for how long and for what areas.

This story was originally published August 14, 2018 at 12:54 PM.