Seattle's Air Quality Plummets as Wildfires Burn
Smoke from wildfires burning across Washington state blanketed Seattle in smoke on September 11, causing the air quality to plummet to among the world’s worst.
According to data from the US government-run website AirNow, Seattle’s air quality as of September 11 was rated “very unhealthy” with an air quality index of 210.
Local media reported the air quality of Seattle and other cities affected by the wildfire smoke, such as Portland and San Francisco, had dipped to among the worst in the world.
The Centers for Disease Control said wildfire smoke could make people more susceptible to lung infections.
Washington Governor Jay Inslee said 626,982 acres had burned in the five days prior, making it the second-worst fire season in state history. Credit: Trey Philpot via Storyful
