Smoky skies blanket the Basin, impact air quality

MOSES LAKE — If you have ventured outside today in the Columbia Basin then you probably noticed a thin layer of smoke in the air.

Most of the smoke coming our way is from wildfires in British Columbia, which currently has more than 150 active wildfires. High winds caused the smoke to drift south into the Basin.

The state Department of Ecology (DOE) lists the current air conditions at its Moses Lake station as unhealthy for sensitive groups, including children, seniors and people who have lung conditions, such as asthma.

The Diamond Creek fire in the Pasayten Wilderness has sent smoke into Winthrop and Twisp for about a week now, but air quality impacts in Omak and Okanogan have been caused by smoke draining down into the Okanogan Valley from Canada, according to the DOE. Also regionally, the Glade 3 fire in Yakima County has charred more than 10,000 acres and sent a steady stream of smoke into the air.

— Staff report