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Tacoma Area Air Quality Alert Issued

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Washington State Fire Marshal's Office issued an air quality awareness notice on July 13, 2026, warning residents about health risks from wildfire smoke. The notice advises sensitive groups—including children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions—to check air quality before outdoor activities and use air filters at home.

The notice also recommends using respirators outdoors, watching for symptoms like coughing or shortness of breath, and tracking nearby fires. The State Fire Marshal’s Office provided contact information for further details, including a phone number and the AirNow Fire and Smoke Map for real-time air quality data.

📄 Source: Washington State Patrol — https://wsp.wa.gov/
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    Washington State Fire Marshal's Office issued an air quality awareness notice on July 13, 2026“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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    Washington State Fire Marshal's Office 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. 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.”
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    The notice advises sensitive groups—including children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions—to check air quality before outdoor activities“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.”
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    The notice advises sensitive groups to use 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 notice recommends using respirators outdoors“When outside, use a respirator to filter out smoke from the air.”
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    The notice recommends watching for symptoms like coughing or 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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    The notice recommends tracking nearby fires“Keep track of fires near you so that you can adequately prepare yourself for potential air quality events.”
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    The State Fire Marshal’s Office provided contact information for further details“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 .”
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    The State Fire Marshal’s Office provided a phone number for further details“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 .”
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    The State Fire Marshal’s Office provided the AirNow Fire and Smoke Map for real-time air quality dataNo usable supporting receipt — unverified.

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