“It’s too hot, too hot baby, gotta run for shelter, gotta run for shade.” – Kool and the Gang

The air quality in Snohomish County is “unhealthy,” the state Department of Ecology says, due to smoke from wildfires in Washington and Canada .

Ecology states that when air quality is rated at “unhealthy” many people may experience breathing problems, and those with conditions such as asthma may have worsening symptoms.

The Snohomish Health District urges residents to limit time spent outdoors. Everyone should avoid exercising outdoors if at all possible and choose non-strenuous indoor activities.

The Snohomish County PUD also has some tips for keeping your home cool.

•Avoid using the oven; cook on the stove, use a microwave oven or grill outside.

•Install efficient LEDs that run cooler. •Keep your shades and curtains drawn during the day to keep heat out.

•Open windows at night to take advantage of cooler air.

•Wash only full loads of dishes and clothes. Consider air-drying both dishes and clothing.

•Minimize activities that generate heat, such as running a computer, burning open flames, running a dishwasher and using hot devices such as curling irons or hair dryers. Even stereos and TVs will add some heat to your home.

Also, consider a heat pump, which provides efficient cooling. The PUD offers instant rebates for eligible heat pumps. For details go to snopud.com/energytips.

In Marysville this week, as the National Weather Service issued an Excessive Heat Warning, cooling stations were set up at the Marysville Library and Marysville Fire Station on Shoultes Road. Temperatures reached near 100. Western Washington has gone about 50 days without measureable rain.

Firefighters put out a number of brush fires. One, at I-5 southbound just north of 136th, caused some traffic woes.

The Puget Sound Clean Air Agency also has issued a summertime air-quality burn ban for Snohomish, King, Pierce and Kitsap counties. The ban includes:

•No charcoal barbeques

•No fire pits

•No campfires or bonfires

•No fireplaces, uncertified wood stoves or uncertified inserts

•No agricultural fires

Marysville’s fire department said please use caution and do not throw cigarettes out of car windows. Also:

•Check up on the the elderly, especially those without air conditioning. •Drink lots of water to stay hydrated and avoid strenuous activities.

•Don’t leave children, elderly, disabled people or pets in a hot car.

•Make sure outdoor pets have plenty of water and shelter from the sun.

•Keep your car maintained and avoid driving through or parking on dry grass. Hot exhaust pipes can catch grass on fire.

•Keep your lawn mowed to reduce the amount of fuel that could burn. Mow early in the morning when there’s more humidity and be sure to dispose of the cuttings.

•Keep mulch or beauty bark thoroughly watered and avoid placing mulch against combustible materials, including decks.