Boyz II Men Concert, college football practice cancelled
A Spokane firefighter waters down hot spots west of Interstate 90 near Cheney as smoke rises from burned areas around him.
MEDICAL LAKE - Smoke from the growing Gray Fire has prompted the Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency to advise residents to reduce steps to reduce their exposure.
The fire had grown to between 8,000 and 9,500 acres, according to local fire officials.
Airborne particulates and ash were falling around Medical Lake, Cheney, Four Lakes, Tyler and other areas.
Because of the air quality deterioration, several activities have been canceled in the area.
In Cheney, Eastern Washington University cancelled its football practice Saturday.
"Conditions will continue to be monitored in accordance with official health and safety guidelines," the university said in announcing the practice cancellation. "Impacted community members, including students, are encouraged to visit EWU's Student Accommodations and Support Services page for information on available resources."
In Airway Heights, Northern Quest Casino cancelled its Boyz II Men concert, planned for Saturday night.
"A new date will be announced soon," casino officials said in in their announcement of the cancellation. "Northern Quest is working with tour management to find a mutually agreed upon new date for next month. As soon as the date is confirmed, additional announcements will be made."
Both university and casino officials thanked fire crews for their efforts.
Casino officials also offered their prayers.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with our neighbors who have been displaced by these fires, and with our first responders who are working so diligently to get these fires under control," they said.
"Thank you to first responders, safety officials and support crews battling these fires," the university added. "Stay safe!"
Meanwhile, the air quality here was downgraded to the "unhealthy to hazardous ranges."
The clean air agency said Sunday's forecast is for similar air quality, will a possibility of "minor improvements" Monday.
Residents and visitors with a respiratory condition, such as asthma or allergies, are advised to avoid exposure to fire smoke.
"Symptoms of smoke exposure can be mild to severe, including coughing, scratchy throat, irritated sinuses, stinging eyes, runny nose, shortness of breath, chest pain, and headaches," clean air agency officials said. "If you have heart or lung disease, smoke might make your symptoms worse.
"People who have heart disease might experience chest pain, a rapid or irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, and fatigue."
To reduce smoke exposure, the agency recommended:
1. Limiting outdoor exercise
2. Stay inside, with windows and doors closed.
3. Don't smoke or burn candles.
4. Use an air filter or air conditioning system to help filter particulates; set air conditioning to recirculate.
5. If you must be outdoors, wear a properly fitted particulate respirator.
A social media hashtag, #grayfire, has been set up for those who access information via social media.
Roger Harnack is the owner/publisher of Free Press Publishing. Having grown up Benton City, Roger is an award-winning journalist, columnist, photographer, editor and publisher. He's one of only two editorial/commentary writers from Washington state to ever receive the international Golden Quill. Roger is dedicated to the preservation of local media, and the voice it retains for Eastern Washington.
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