Smoke from a fast-moving wildfire in the Alderdale area of Klickita County wafted into the Tri-Cities on Friday, June 26, alerting residents of Kennewick, Pasco and Richland. The fire broke out on the north bank of the Columbia River in southern Washington state, about 30 miles west of the Tri-Cities metropolitan area.
The Tri-Cities area, home to more than 300,000 residents in Benton and Franklin counties, lies directly into Klickitat County’s prevailing summer southwesterly winds.
According to NBC Right Now, Klickita County Emergency Management (KCEM) has issued Level 3 (GO NOW) and Level 2 (GET SET) evacuation alerts for affected areas in the Tri-Cities.
Evacuation orders are in place
Level 3 evacuation is the highest of Washington’s three evacuation levels and means the danger is current or imminent and residents must leave immediately. A Level 2 order means there is a significant hazard and residents should be prepared to leave immediately.
NBC Right Now reports that KCEM advises anyone in the Alderdale area to act quickly and take these evacuation instructions seriously.
According to Franklin County Fire District 3 (FCFD3), current wind patterns are bringing smoke into the three cities that has affected air quality and impaired visibility.
“People who are sensitive to smoke, including those with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, heart disease, older adults and young children, should consider limiting prolonged outdoor activities until air quality improves,” authorities said.
 has issued Level 3 (GO NOW) and Level 2 (GET SET) evacuation alerts for the affected area in Tri-Cities.){kind=link}