Track wildfires and air pollution in Washington, Oregon and Idaho

WILDFIRES

This report tracks the location of active wildfires throughout the Pacific Northwest during this wildfire season.

The wildfire season in Washington typically occurs from June to September and primarily affects the region east of the Cascades, as stated by the Washington State Department of Natural Resources. This year, above normal fire potential is expected to extend into October for Western Washington and Oregon.

Although there is a high risk of wildfires throughout Oregon, the central, southwest, and northeast parts of the state are usually the most affected areas.

Wildfire Coverage in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho

AIR QUALITY

Wildfires also have an impact on air quality, both near the fires and across the region.

Larger and more intense wildfires are leading to increased smoke production and chronic exposures in the United States, particularly in the West. 

Check the air quality level and fine particulate matter concentration in your area here:

Fine particulate matter, which is the primary pollutant in wildfire smoke, consists of tiny unburned particles from incinerated materials suspended in the air. These particles may include acids, inorganic compounds, organic chemicals, soot, metals, or soil. They are several times finer than human hair and can easily be inhaled deep into the lungs and bloodstream, potentially impairing vital organs. 

Exposure to wildfire smoke has been linked to various health concerns, ranging from eye and respiratory tract irritation to more serious conditions such as bronchitis, heart failure, and even premature death, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Children, pregnant individuals, and older adults are particularly vulnerable to the effects of wildfire smoke. 

The EPA has observed that wildfire smoke leads to an increase in hospital visits. For instance, during the Eagle Creek fire in 2017, which covered the greater Portland area with smoke, there was a 20% rise in asthma-related visits to the region’s emergency rooms and urgent care facilities.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. SDG 13: Climate Action

   • Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters
   • Indicator: Number of deaths, missing persons, and directly affected people attributed to disasters per 100,000 population

2. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

   • Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination
   • Indicator: Mortality rate attributed to household and ambient air pollution

Analysis

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

The issues highlighted in the article are connected to SDG 13: Climate Action and SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Based on the article’s content, the specific targets that can be identified are:

• Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters
• Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Yes, there are indicators mentioned in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets:

• Indicator: Number of deaths, missing persons, and directly affected people attributed to disasters per 100,000 population (related to Target 13.1)
• Indicator: Mortality rate attributed to household and ambient air pollution (related to Target 3.9)

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.

Source: seattletimes.com

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