Air Quality Achieved Through Community Action
The Okanogan River Airshed Partnership, (ORAP) was established in December 2015 in response to the growing concerns about high levels of PM2.5- fine particulate matter that can severely impact respiratory and heart health.
We are a coalition of tribal, local, state, and federal partners committed to protecting and improving air quality across the Okanogan River Valley.
Our region has experienced increasingly severe wildfire seasons, often blanketing communities in harmful smoke. ORAP was created to bring together those most affected and those in a position to respond- to share resources, data, and solutions that protect both public health and cultural lifestyles.
Statues at the Omak Stampede Museum, good air day
The Air We Breathe
Understanding PM2.5
PM2.5 is a kind of air pollution made up of tiny particles. These particles are so small that you can't see them without a microscope. The “2.5” means they are 2.5 micrometers wide or smaller—about 30 times smaller than a single hair!
PM2.5 comes from things like:
Wildfire smoke
Wood stoves and campfires
Car and truck exhaust
Burning fields or debris
Factories and other businesses
Because these particles are so small, they can get deep into your lungs when you breathe—and even into your blood. Breathing in too much PM2.5 can cause health problems like:
Asthma or trouble breathing
Heart problems
Getting sick more often
Kids, older adults, and people with health issues are most at risk, but PM2.5 can affect everyone.
High levels of PM2.5 can cause haze and make it hard to see, which can impact travel, outdoor activities, and even local businesses. The landscape of Okanogan Valley can also trap cold air close to the ground- a weather pattern called an inversion. This keeps smoke from wood stoves and debris burning stuck near where people live.
Learn Before you Burn
Wood smoke doesn’t stop at your property line. It can travel across neighborhoods and linger in valleys, especially during the colder months. That smoke contains tiny particles (PM2.5) that can harm your lungs and heart—even if you can’t see them.
Take these steps to protect your health and your community:
Burn the right wood
Use only dry, well-seasoned firewood that’s been split and stored properly. Wood should have 20% moisture or less—you can check this with a moisture meter. Wet wood burns poorly and makes more smoke.
Burn the Right Way
Provide sufficient air to the fire; never let it smolder. The right way is hot and bright.
Burn in the Right Appliance
Use an EPA-certified wood stove or insert, and have it inspected each year by a professional. These appliances burn cleaner, use less wood, and produce far less smoke.
If you’re ready to upgrade, consider switching to a heat pump or a cleaner-burning gas, pellet, or EPA-certified wood stove.
Need help replacing an old stove? Check out our program.