Wildfire smoke lowers regional air quality

SPOKANE (AP) - Drifting wildfire smoke has lowered air quality in much of Eastern Washington and parts of North Idaho.

The Washington Ecology Department and the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality have issued an air quality alert. Smoke particles could irritate eyes and noses and aggravate heart and lung disease. Vulnerable people are advised to remain indoors. Favorable weather with a chance of rain midweek should clear the air.

The alert covers Adams, Asotin, Chelan, Douglas, Ferry, Garfield, Grant, Lincoln, Okanogan, Pend Oreille, Spokane, Stevens and Whitman counties in Washington. And Latah, Lewis and Nez Perce counties in Idaho.