State and federal agencies are expressing concerns about smoke and heat in the region heading into the Labor Day weekend.
The Washington State Department of Ecology has issued an air quality alert for the Yakima area that is in effect until 12:00 pm next Wednesday, September 6th.
The alert is due to wildfires burning in the region, combined with forecasts that call for conditions that could cause air quality to reach unhealthy levels.
Pollutants in smoke can cause burning eyes, runny nose, and aggravate serious health problems such as heart and lung diseases.
Children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory illnesses are most at risk of serious health effects during the air quality alert.
The alert calls for limiting outdoor activities and keeping children indoors if the air quality is poor.
It comes on the heels of a heat advisory the National Weather Service (NWS) has also issued for the Yakima area. It is in effect from 12:00 pm tomorrow, Saturday, through 8:00 pm on Monday, September 4th.
Yakima temperatures could reach as high as 102 degrees, according to the NWS.
Weather officials encourage residents to schedule strenuous activities over the next few days in the early morning or evening during the heat advisory. The NWS advisory also suggests residents take extra precautions such as drinking plenty of fluids, staying out of the sun and checking up on relatives and neighbors.