Washington Urges Employers to Protect Workers as Wildfire Season Heats Up
As a fast-moving fire near Cle Elum prompts evacuations, state officials highlight workplace health risks from wildfire smoke and share guidance during Smoke Ready Week.
- By Stasia DeMarco
- Jun 11, 2025
As wildfire season intensifies across Washington, state officials are urging employers to take steps to protect outdoor workers from smoke-related health risks.
The call comes as a new wildfire near Cle Elum—burning since Monday—has already destroyed multiple structures and triggered evacuation notices. The fire remains 0% contained.
With Smoke Ready Week running from June 9 to 13, the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) is sharing resources with employers to help them prepare for smoke events. The agency stresses the importance of proactive planning, especially as forecasts indicate above-normal wildfire risk this summer.
Wildfire smoke contains fine particulate matter known as PM 2.5, which can penetrate deep into the lungs and cause serious health issues, especially for outdoor workers in sectors like agriculture and construction.
“Breathing in wildfire smoke can lead to reduced lung function, worsened asthma, heart failure, and even premature death,” L&I warned in a statement.
For more information on how to prepare and protect workers, visit Lni.wa.gov/BeSmokeReady.
About the Author
Stasia DeMarco is the Content Editor for OH&S.