Towns across the western U.S. have been destroyed by wildfires this season. While many have focused on California and Oregon, the damage also hits a little closer to home for Moscow residents.
Four wildfires, named the Babb-Malden/Manning Fires, are burning about 50 miles northwest of Moscow, according to the fire incident information system InciWeb. As of Monday, the Babb-Malden Fire was approximately 15,266 acres across and 90% contained. The Manning Fire was approximately 2,685 acres across and 90% contained. The two other fires, the Colfax and Wawawai fires, were both at 100% containment with investigations underway. All four fires began Sept. 7.The fire left Malden in rubble after destroying 80% of the town. Dry produce and winds up to 60 mph only accelerated the fire, according to National Public Radio (NPR). Malden received help from the Spokane County, Lincoln County and Kittitas County fire departments.
The town lost its fire station, post office, city hall, library and most of its homes according to the Whitman county sheriff’s office.
The surrounding towns, including Genessee, Orofino, Colfax and smaller communities near Moscow, have also felt the effects of the fire, Moscow Fire Chief Brian Nickerson said. Everything from fields to forest land in the area have been hit, Nickerson said. The Moscow Volunteer Fire Department has responded to two or three of these local fires. Moscow itself has had a handful of field fires, one started by a combine, a machine used for harvesting.
Along with the destruction of the fires themselves, smoke has polluted the air of Washington, Oregon, California, Arizona and Nevada. These states are seeing “critical fire-weather conditions,” according to NPR. Other states, including Utah, Colorado, Wyoming, Montana and Idaho have also been impacted, according to fire.airnow.gov.
The smoke has engulfed the sky and created health risks. Homes lacking air conditioning are at risk for smoke pollution, but some areas are reluctant to open smoke shelters because of COVID-19, according to NPR.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention stated wildfire smoke can cause coughing, trouble breathing, stinging eyes, a scratchy throat, runny nose, irritated sinuses, wheezing, shortness of breath, chest pain, headaches, asthma attacks, tiredness and a fast heartbeat. Pregnant people, older adults, children and people with respiratory or heart conditions are most likely to get sick after inhaling smoke.
To prevent additional indoor pollution, the CDC recommends against vacuuming or lighting candles, fireplaces or tobacco products. Staying indoors with an air filter running is recommended. While reusable fabric masks used to prevent the spread of COVID-19 may not adequately protect the wearer against the dangers of wildfire smoke, a properly fitting N95 mask may provide some protection, according to the CDC.
The IDEQ website provides hourly air quality index updates for Idaho.
Idaho Firewise lists recommended actions to take in the event evacuation becomes necessary due to wildfires. This information can be found on the Idaho Firewise website under the Principles and Practices tab.
This article has been updated to correct a misspelling.
Emily Pearce can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @Emily_A_Pearce.