Where is all of the smoke coming from? That's a question I've heard people ask over the past few days. It has been a bit hazy in the Yakima Valley and with no reported wildfires burning in our immediate area, one does wonder where it's coming from and what is causing it?

In addition to this severe early summer heatwave we've been experiencing, winds have been steadily gusting for the past day or two. This can definitely stir up more than a little dust in our area, sometimes appearing to be a haze or smoke from a distant fire.

Why is Yakima Smokey and Hazy?

Yakima easily becomes smokey and hazy when either wind kicks up dirt and dust or smoke is present from fires or other types of pollution. The valley collects and holds on to those pollutants and you have the smoke and haze we're seeing now.

Where is it Coming From?

Other than a few small nearby wildfires in Franklin and Adams Counties, which have been contained, the main source of the current smoke and haze in Yakima and other parts of Washington State is from our neighbors to our neighbors North, British Columbia, Canada.

Conditions Are Ripe for Wildfires Throughout the West.

There is a state-wide effort to curtail the burning of anything that isn't approved of and deemed necessary by local and state authorities. Of course, no campfires this summer, outdoor backyard burning, and especially now, eliminating the illegal use of fireworks in areas where they have been banned. Things are tinder-dry and it only takes one foolish mistake, one ember, one cigarette butt, one firework to wreak havoc.