Air Quality Advisory, Two Fires Prompt State Response

Wednesday, July 15, 2026

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State Fire Marshal’s Office issued an air quality advisory on July 13, 2026, warning residents about health risks from wildfire smoke. The advisory specifically notes that sensitive groups—including children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions—should take precautions. It recommends using air filters at home, wearing respirators when outside, and monitoring for symptoms like coughing or shortness of breath.

Washington State Patrol authorized state fire assistance for two wildfires on July 9 and July 8. The B and O Fire, burning near Okanogan, is 2,000 acres and growing, with Level 2 and Level 3 evacuations in place. The Ryegrass Coulee Fire, near Vantage, is 600 acres and also has evacuations. Both fires are threatening homes and infrastructure. State resources, including five wildland strike teams, are being deployed to assist local crews.

📄 Source: Washington State Patrol — https://wsp.wa.gov/

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State Fire Marshal’s Office issued an air quality advisory on July 13, 2026No usable supporting receipt — unverified.
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The 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 specifically notes that sensitive groups—including children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions—should take precautions“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 recommends 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 recommends wearing respirators when outside“When outside, use a respirator to filter out smoke from the air.”
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The advisory recommends monitoring 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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Washington State Patrol authorized state fire assistance for two wildfires on July 9 and July 8“State Fire Mobilization Authorized for the B and O Fire — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 01:49:21 +0000 July 9, 2026 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. 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. State Fire Mobilization Authorized for the Ryegrass Coulee Fire — Thu, 09 Jul 2026 04:43:11 +0000 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 is burning near Okanogan“The B and O Fire located in Okanogan County, near the town of Okanogan.”
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The B and O Fire is 2,000 acres and growing“This fire is estimated at 2,000 acres and growing.”
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The B and O Fire has Level 2 and Level 3 evacuations in place“Level 2 and Level 3 evacuations are in effect at this time.”
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The Ryegrass Coulee Fire is near Vantage“The Ryegrass Coulee Fire located in Kittitas County, near Vantage.”
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The Ryegrass Coulee Fire is 600 acres and also has evacuations“This fire is estimated at 600 acres and growing. It is burning in grass, brush, and timber and is threatening homes, power infrastructure, and structures in the community of Vantage. Level 2 and Level 3 evacuations are in effect at this time.”
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Both fires are threatening homes and infrastructure“It is burning in grass and brush, and is threatening homes, infrastructure, and public safety. ... 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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State resources, including five wildland strike teams, are being deployed to assist local crews“Mobilization specialists from the Fire Protection Bureau have ordered five wildland strike teams to aid in containment efforts.”