News Release [ [link removed] ]




*For immediate release:* July 2, 2025                                           (25-084)

*Contact:* DOH Communications <[email protected]>

Stars, Stripes, and Safety: Public Health Tips for the Fourth

*OLYMPIA *- Summer is here, and as temperatures rise, so do seasonal health and safety risks. As we prepare to celebrate Independence Day and enjoy the outdoors, the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) urges everyone to stay aware, stay cool, and stay safe.

Air Quality

Parts of our state experienced moderate air quality [ [link removed] ] [ [link removed] ] [ [link removed] ]recently, which can be harmful to health – especially for people who are sensitive to smoke [ [link removed] ] [ [link removed] ]. This includes people with respiratory or heart conditions, children, older adults, pregnant people, people with low income or limited access to care, and many others [ [link removed] ]. [ [link removed] ]

Fireworks can worsen air quality. According to the American Lung Association [ [link removed] ], fireworks release smoke that contains harmful gases like sulfur dioxide and carbon monoxide as well as metals like aluminum, manganese, and cadmium, all of which are harmful to our health.

To stay informed, check current air quality conditions on the Washington Smoke Blog [ [link removed] ] [ [link removed] ], which pulls data from sensors across the state.  If the air quality worsens, protect yourself and your family by staying indoors and filtering indoor air. For more information, see our page on how to protect yourself when the air quality worsens [ [link removed] ].

Fire

Fireworks also pose a wildfire threat. The National Weather Service [ [link removed] ] says there is an elevated fire risk today for much of Washington. The National Interagency Fire Center [ [link removed] ] also indicates much of Washington has higher than normal wildfire risk through September. In June alone, the Pomas Fire [ [link removed] ] northwest of Wenatchee, the Rowena Fire near the Dalles, and the Hatch Grade Fire south of Wallula burned thousands of acres and impacted air quality.

To help prevent wildfires, know and follow local fireworks laws and burn bans from the Washington State Department of Natural Resources [ [link removed] ], Tribes [ [link removed] ], and local fire districts [ [link removed] ].

Heat

It’s been hot the past few days, but relief is on the way soon. Now is a good time to review ways to stay safe [ [link removed] ] when the weather heats up again. When temperatures rise, remember to stay hydrated, take breaks, and take it easy during the hottest parts of the day. During the   2021 Heat Dome, more than 150 of people died from heat-related causes in Washington. 

Water Safety

At any time of year, Washington’s waters can be appealing – but they can also be dangerous [ [link removed] ] [ [link removed] ]. Surface water may feel warm, but water could be much colder below. Be careful when swimming and always supervise young children playing in or near the water. Life jackets save lives [ [link removed] ] [ [link removed] ]. Rivers may not be moving as fast, but log jams can trap swimmers and large rocks and logs can tip over rafts, canoes, and kayaks. And remember, harmful algal blooms can make you and your pets very sick. They can even be deadly. Learn how to keep your family, including your pets, safe [ [link removed] ]. The Washington State Department of Ecology posts information about current harmful algal blooms online [ [link removed] ].  

Food

What many people call “stomach flu” may be a preventable foodborne illness [ [link removed] ] [ [link removed] ]. Symptoms can range from mild nausea to serious conditions that require medical treatment and hospitalization. Young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems are at higher risk for severe illness. Before you fire up the grill, visit our food safety page [ [link removed] ] for quick tips on clean hands, hot burgers, and chilled sides – perfect for any picnic or backyard bash.

For more tips and resources on staying healthy and safe this summer, visit DOH’s website [ [link removed] ].

Our website [ [link removed] ] is your source for "a healthy dose of information". Get updates by following us on social media [ [link removed] ].

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Visit the DOH Newsroom [ [link removed] ] for all news releases. 
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Washington State Department of Health [ [link removed] ] is your source for a healthy dose of information. 








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