CWU News

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Air quality around Ellensburg and Central Washington University Centers in Wenatchee and Moses Lake are ranging from “moderate” to “very unhealthy.” Department of Ecology officials warn that Washington is experiencing the worst air quality in the nation—and it’s expected to continue for the next several days.

CWU maintains a Fire Updates web page as a clearinghouse of all types of fire-related information, including air quality levels in and around the region.

As a reminder, when smoke levels reach unhealthy levels the university curtails outdoor activities. Limit exposure to smoke – especially if you are at risk for respiratory issues.

“Smoke can and has significantly affected operations, events, and travel, which is why we monitor it,” chief of staff Linda Schactler said. “When wildfire approaches, the entire community pitches in to keep information flowing and people, property, and animals out of harm’s way.”

CWU’s Ellensburg campus is centrally located within the state and has eight university centers throughout Washington. The website serves as a one-stop resource for the CWU and surrounding communities.

In addition to the Fire Updates web page, CWU provides information and links via Central’s:

•  Website home page – link to Fire Updates web page
•  University Centers web pages
•  Social media: Facebook and Twitter
•  News releases

Central has maintained the fire updates website since 2012. The site is an information clearinghouse for county emergency management, Washington Smoke Blog, Washington Air Quality Map, InciWeb Incident Information System, and news media then summarized on the CWU Fire Updates web page.

For more information and to bookmark the site, visit cwu.edu/fireupdates. Learn more about smoke effects and ways to protect your health at AirNow.

Media contact: Dawn Alford, public affairs coordinator, 509-963-1484, dawn.alford@cwu.edu. 

Updated at 5:14 p.m. 8/2/17