The apocalyptic-like smokescreen shrouding most of Washington earlier this month may ultimately make the best case on behalf of the state Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for more state investment in forest health projects. It might also expand the publics’ tolerance of smoke created in the off-season by DNR’s prescribed burning projects. .
After several weeks of degraded air quality due to wildfire smoke, Washington’s Air Monitoring Network now reports most areas in the state have returned to healthy levels, with moderate air quality in the central Puget Sound region. Less than two weeks ago, only a handful of areas including Enumclaw, Issaquah and Yelm had healthy air quality levels.
The conditions and the location of large wildfires may perhaps aid DNR as it intends to pusue funding from the legislature to hire 30 new firefighters to help with forest health projects.