Mayor Issues Emergency Proclamation Regarding Air Quality and Fire Hazards

City of White Salmon
Emergency Proclamation 2020-002

WHEREAS, there is unprecedented hazardous air conditions and ongoing wildfire risk; and

WHEREAS, White Salmon’s air quality specifically has been recorded at various points in recent days as the highest level in the world, as well as the region; and

WHEREAS,  there are limited city firefighters and public safety personnel available; and

WHEREAS, extreme conditions and likely demands placed on firefighting and other public safety resources in the event of a local wildfire event make it necessary that extraordinary measures be taken to prevent and reduce the risk of wildfires within the city, and to suppress any fires that may occur; and

WHEREAS, ongoing risks from the COVID-19 pandemic, a respiratory disease that can result in serious illness or death and is easily spread from person to person, and can mimic the symptoms of smoke inhalation; and

WHEREAS, on August 19 Gov. Inslee issued a statewide emergency to ensure immediate response to multiple wildfires; and

WHEREAS, proactive measures must be taken to protect public health, safety, and the welfare of City of White Salmon residents, visitors, and staff, and

WHEREAS, additional resources, including PPE for first responders, that are already limited due to the COVID-19 pandemic may also be necessary to abate wildfire risks and inhalation of hazardous air; and

WHEREAS, severity of the event may go beyond the capability of local resources and duration of the event is unknown.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Marla Keethler, Mayor of the City of White Salmon, do hereby proclaim a local emergency now exists due to the unprecedented hazardous air conditions and ongoing wildfire risks and that emergency operations are in effect, and this necessitates the utilization of emergency powers granted under RCW 38.52.070.

The City of White Salmon is authorized to exercise the powers vested under this proclamation considering exigencies of this emergency without regard to time-consuming procedures and formalities prescribed by law (except Constitutional requirements).

It is ordered that all outdoor activities that that could spark or flame, but not limited to backyard fires, barbeques, candles, and gas or electric yard/construction equipment that creates sparks, are immediately suspended.

It is ordered that all citizens refrain from visiting city parks, natural areas, and/or trails during this time of extreme fire danger and hazardous air quality.

It is recommended that all citizens refrain from non-essential outdoor activities

This emergency proclamation shall expire October 1 or when the risk is abated, whichever occurs first and shall be confirmed by the White Salmon City Council at the next regularly scheduled City Council meeting.

Dated the 14th day of September, 2020.

Marla Keethler, Mayor

WA Department of Health
How to Make a Box Air Filter

English: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4qr1Aj6Di7w

Spanish: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=paDqiIZUECw

Smoke Information

English: https://www.doh.wa.gov/CommunityandEnvironment/AirQuality/SmokeFromFires

Spanish: https://www.doh.wa.gov/CommunityandEnvironment/AirQuality/SmokeFromFires/HumodeIncendios