Region’s air back to unhealthy levels

Wildfire smoke again has prompted health officials to classify air quality as unhealthy for everyone in the Spokane-Coeur d’Alene area. The Inland Northwest had a brief reprieve from air pollution Saturday, but thick smoke from dozens of fires in the Northwest returned today. The National Weather Service has issued an air quality alert for Eastern Washington and North Idaho. Residents should take the following precautions: •Avoid heavy work or exercise outdoors. •Drink plenty of water and avoid caffeine products, sugary drinks and alcohol. •Run your air conditioner to recirculate air. Turn the fan blower on manually so it continuously filters the air in your home. For up-to-date information visit http://wasmoke.blogspot.com.