Bellingham area faces wildfire smoke health risks

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  State Fire Marshal's Office issued a health warning on July 13No usable supporting receipt — unverified.
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  The health warning noted wildfire smoke risks can worsen respiratory and heart conditions for vulnerable groups“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 warning 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 warning recommends using respirators outdoors when smoke is present“When outside, use a respirator to filter out smoke from the air.”
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  Two wildfires are actively growing in Washington state“The B and O Fire started on July 9, 2026, at approximately 2:14 p.m. This fire is estimated at 2,000 acres and growing. It is burning in grass and brush, and is threatening homes, infrastructure, and public safety. Level 2 and Level 3 evacuations are in effect at this time. The Ryegrass Coulee Fire started on July 8, 2026, at approximately 4:51 p.m. 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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  One of the wildfires is the B and O Fire near Okanogan“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.”
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  The B and O Fire is at 2,000 acres“This fire is estimated at 2,000 acres and growing.”
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  The B and O Fire is causing Level 2 and 3 evacuations“Level 2 and Level 3 evacuations are in effect at this time.”
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  Another wildfire is the Ryegrass Coulee Fire near Vantage“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.”
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  The Ryegrass Coulee Fire is at 600 acres“This fire is estimated at 600 acres and growing.”
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  The Ryegrass Coulee Fire has similar evacuation levels to the B and O Fire“Level 2 and Level 3 evacuations are in effect at this time.”
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  State fire resources were mobilized on July 9 to assist local fire departments for the B and O Fire“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.”
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  State fire resources were mobilized on July 8 to assist local fire departments for the Ryegrass Coulee Fire“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.”