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Wildfires & Smoke
Wildfires can impact health and safety in many ways, including heavy smoke and power outages that damage drinking water or septic systems. Learn how to keep yourself and your family safe and healthy if wildfires or smoke are impacting your community.
View the map below and other smoke forecast information at https://wasmoke.blogspot.com/. You can click on any location on the map below for more information on the current level of air pollution and what you can do to limit your risk.
About Wildfire Smoke
Wildfire smoke is a mixture of gases and fine particles. It can irritate your eyes, nose, throat, and lungs. Smoke can be inhaled deep into your lungs and sometimes get into your bloodstream. This makes it harder to breathe and may worsen other health conditions.
People at Increased Risk of Wildfire Smoke
- People who have heart or lung diseases.
- Children and youth
- Children’s airways are still developing and they breathe more air per pound of body weight than adults. In addition, children often spend more time outdoors engaged in activity and play.
- People 65 years or older
- Pregnant women
- Infants
- Check air quality
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Check air quality conditions daily. Follow health recommendations found on the Air Quality Index.
- Keep indoor air as clean as possible
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- Close windows and doors unless it is too hot to maintain safe temperatures.
- Avoid activities that increase indoor air pollution.
- Burning candles, fireplaces, or gas stoves can increase indoor pollution. Vacuuming stirs up particles already inside your home, contributing to indoor pollution.
- Run an air conditioner if you have one. Keep the fresh-air intake closed and the filter clean to prevent outdoor smoke from getting inside. If you do not have an air conditioner and it is too warm to stay inside with the windows closed, seek shelter in a designated evacuation center or away from the affected area.
- NCW libraries operate as clean-air shelters when smoke is in the air.
Learn how to create a clean air room! Visit the resources below.
- Follow the advice of your doctor
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If you have asthma or other lung-related illnesses, talk to your healthcare provider about medication and a respiratory management plan. Consider evacuating the area if you have trouble breathing. Talk with your provider if symptoms get worse.
- Get a free N95 mask
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An N95 mask may provide some protection against wildfire smoke. View this fact sheet (PDF) to ensure you are wearing your mask correctly. A dust or surgical mask will not protect you from the fine particles found in wildfire smoke.
N95 masks are available for free during the 2025 wildfire season at the following locations:
Location Address Hours Coulee City Public Library 405 West Main Street, Coulee City, WA 99115 M, F: 10am–2pm
Tu, Th: 10am–2pm, 2:30–6pm
W: 11am–2pm, 2:30–6pmSoap Lake Public Library Main Street West, Soap Lake, WA 98851 Tu: 9:30am–6pm
W: 11am–6pm
Th–Sa: 9:30am–2pmNCW Libraries Ephrata 45 Alder Street Norhtwest, Ephrata, WA 98823 M–Sa: 10am–6pm
W: 11am–6pmQuincy Public Library 208 Central Avenue South, Quincy, WA 98848 M, Tu, Th: 9am–6pm
W: 12pm–6pm
F: 9am–5pm
Su: 1pm–5pmGeorge Public Library 125 East Deacon, George, WA 98824 Tu–Th: 10am–1pm, 2pm–6pm
Sa: 10am–2pmNCW Libraries Moses Lake 418 East 5th Avenue, Moses Lake, WA 98837 M, Tu, Th–Sa: 10am–6pm
W: 11am–6pmWarden Public Library 305 South Main Avenue, Warden, WA 98837 Tu, Th: 10am–2pm, 3pm–6pm
W: 11am–2pm, 3pm–6pm
F, Sa: 10am–2pmNCW Libraries Mattawa 101 Manson Lane, Mattawa, WA 99349 Tu–Th: 10am–1pm, 2pm–6pm
Sa: 10am–2pmNCW Grand Coulee Library 225 Federal Ave, Grand Coulee, WA Tu, Th: 10am–1pm, 2pm–6pm
W, F: 2pm–6pm
Sa: 10am–2pmWilson Creek Farm Supply 117 3rd Street, Wilson Creek, 98860 M–F: 8am–5pm
Sa: 8am–12pmWilson Creek City Hall - Prevent wildfires from starting
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Grant County has an annual Burn Ban from June 1 through Sept 30. When recreational fires are permitted be sure to extinguish campfires safely. Comply with local regulations if you plan to burn trash or debris.
- Evacuate from the path of wildfires
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Subscribe to Nixle to receive emergency evacuation notices from the Grant County Sheriff’s Department. Know the evacuation levels:
- Level 1: Ready. There is no immediate danger, but the fire may be moving toward you.
- Level 2: Set. There is significant danger to your area and the fire is moving toward you.
- Level 3: Go! You are in immediate danger and should go now!