Smoke from fire 200 miles southwest of Spokane touches horizon

Smoke from a blaze north of Yakima has drifted east, presenting risks to people especially sensitive to smoke in the Spokane region.

Satellite images show the smoke coming from the Evans Canyon fire about 200 miles southwest of Spokane. The blaze near Selah was burning 5,000 acres as of Tuesday afternoon, according to the Washington state Department of Natural Resources.

People who are sensitive to air pollution should consider reducing prolonged or heavy exercise outdoors, according to the Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency.

Although California continues to battle thick smoke which blew into many Western states, Washington was spared by winds that kept most of that smoke south of the state, said Robin Fox, meteorologist for the National Weather Service.

Satellite images showed the smoke from Evans Canyon beginning to thin out in the Spokane area Tuesday afternoon, but expected strong winds Wednesday, combined with the possibility of activity in Evans Canyon, could lead to moderate or worse air quality midweek, Fox said.

When thick smoke affects areas, it’s important for residents to check their local air quality before planning their days.

“Keep an eye to the sky,” Fox said.