Air Quality Advisory, Two Fires Mobilize State Resources

Every factual claim below was checked against the original public record. Source: original document ↗

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  Washington State Patrol announced a fire mobilization for the B and O Fire in Okanogan County“State fire assistance has been mobilized under the Washington State Fire Services Resource Mobilization Plan in support of local firefighters working to contain the B and O Fire located in Okanogan County, near the town of Okanogan.”
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  Washington State Patrol announced a fire mobilization for the Ryegrass Coulee Fire in Kittitas County“July 8, 2026 Kittitas County – State fire assistance has been mobilized under the Washington State Fire Services Resource Mobilization Plan in support of local firefighters working to contain the Ryegrass Coulee Fire located in Kittitas County, near Vantage.”
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  The fire mobilization for the B and O Fire was announced on July 9“State fire assistance has been mobilized under the Washington State Fire Services Resource Mobilization Plan in support of local firefighters working to contain the B and O Fire located in Okanogan County, near the town of Okanogan. Washington State Patrol Chief John Batiste authorized the mobilization of state firefighting resources on July 9, 2026, at 5:15 p.m. at the request of Fire Chief Brad Armstrong, Okanogan County Fire District 3.”
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  The fire mobilization for the Ryegrass Coulee Fire was announced on July 8“July 8, 2026 Kittitas County – State fire assistance has been mobilized under the Washington State Fire Services Resource Mobilization Plan in support of local firefighters working to contain the Ryegrass Coulee Fire located in Kittitas County, near Vantage. Washington State Patrol Chief John Batiste authorized the mobilization of state firefighting resources on July 8, 2026, at 7:45 p.m. at the request of Fire Chief William Rose, Kittitas County Fire District 4.”
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  The B and O Fire started on July 9 at 2:14 p.m.“The B and O Fire started on July 9, 2026, at approximately 2:14 p.m.”
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  The B and O Fire is 2,000 acres“This fire is estimated at 2,000 acres and growing.”
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  The B and O Fire is growing“This fire is estimated at 2,000 acres and growing.”
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  The B and O Fire is threatening homes and infrastructure“It is burning in grass and brush, and is threatening homes, infrastructure, and public safety.”
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  The Ryegrass Coulee Fire started on July 8 at 4:51 p.m.“The Ryegrass Coulee Fire started on July 8, 2026, at approximately 4:51 p.m.”
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  The Ryegrass Coulee Fire is 600 acres“This fire is estimated at 600 acres and growing.”
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  The Ryegrass Coulee Fire is growing“This fire is estimated at 600 acres and growing.”
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  The Ryegrass Coulee Fire is threatening Vantage“It is burning in grass, brush, and timber and is threatening homes, power infrastructure, and structures in the community of Vantage.”
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  The State Fire Marshal’s Office issued an air quality awareness advisory on July 13“Air Quality Awareness — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 23:22:48 +0000 July 13, 2026 Olympia – Exposure to wildfire smoke can lead to a range of health issues, particularly for sensitive groups such as children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing respiratory or cardiovascular conditions. The toxic gases and fine particles in smoke can exacerbate asthma, cause respiratory infections, and lead to other serious health problems. During wildfire season, be sure to check air quality before engaging in outdoor activities, especially if you are sensitive to pollutants and irritants. Check out resources such as the AirNow Fire and Smoke Map to get a real-time look at air quality in your area. The State Fire Marshal’s Office recommends the following tips: Use air filters in your home to ensure a safe space for respite from outside smoke. When outside, use a respirator to filter out smoke from the air. Pay attention to your health, and watch for symptoms of unsafe exposure such as wheezing, coughing, dizziness, headache, or shortness of breath. Keep track of fires near you so that you can adequately prepare yourself for potential air quality events. For more information, contact the State Fire Marshal’s Office at (360) 596-3904 . ### Release sent by Deputy State Fire Marshal Courtney Chambers The post Air Quality Awareness appeared first on Washington State Patrol . Source: https://wsp.wa.gov/air-quality-awareness/”
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  The air quality awareness advisory warned residents about health risks from wildfire smoke“Exposure to wildfire smoke can lead to a range of health issues, particularly for sensitive groups such as children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing respiratory or cardiovascular conditions. The toxic gases and fine particles in smoke can exacerbate asthma, cause respiratory infections, and lead to other serious health problems.”
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  The advisory urged sensitive groups to check air quality before outdoor activities“During wildfire season, be sure to check air quality before engaging in outdoor activities, especially if you are sensitive to pollutants and irritants.”
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  Sensitive groups include children“Exposure to wildfire smoke can lead to a range of health issues, particularly for sensitive groups such as children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing respiratory or cardiovascular conditions.”
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  Sensitive groups include the elderly“Exposure to wildfire smoke can lead to a range of health issues, particularly for sensitive groups such as children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing respiratory or cardiovascular conditions.”
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  Sensitive groups include those with respiratory conditions“Exposure to wildfire smoke can lead to a range of health issues, particularly for sensitive groups such as children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing respiratory or cardiovascular conditions.”
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  The advisory recommended using air filters at home“Use air filters in your home to ensure a safe space for respite from outside smoke.”
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  The advisory recommended using respirators when outside“When outside, use a respirator to filter out smoke from the air.”
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  The advisory recommended monitoring for symptoms like coughing“Pay attention to your health, and watch for symptoms of unsafe exposure such as wheezing, coughing, dizziness, headache, or shortness of breath.”
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  The advisory recommended monitoring for symptoms like shortness of breath“Pay attention to your health, and watch for symptoms of unsafe exposure such as wheezing, coughing, dizziness, headache, or shortness of breath.”
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  State Fire Marshal’s Office personnel are coordinating resource dispatch for both fires“State Fire Marshal’s Office personnel are both en route and working remotely to coordinate the dispatch of resources.”
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  The State Emergency Operations Center is activated to Level 2 for the B and O Fire“The State Emergency Operations Center at Camp Murray is activated to Level 2, partial activation, to help coordinate state assistance for the B and O Fire.”
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  Evacuation levels 2 and 3 are in effect for the B and O Fire“Level 2 and Level 3 evacuations are in effect at this time.”
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  Evacuation levels 2 and 3 are in effect for the Ryegrass Coulee Fire“Level 2 and Level 3 evacuations are in effect at this time.”
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  Residents are advised to monitor the AirNow Fire and Smoke Map for real-time air quality updates“Check out resources such as the AirNow Fire and Smoke Map to get a real-time look at air quality in your area.”