The following is intended to assist Washington State University faculty and staff with any impacts due to wildfires throughout the Washington, Idaho, and Oregon regions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What options are available if a faculty or staff member has a health related issue due to fire, smoke or poor air quality?

Faculty or staff who self-identify they are impacted by smoke or poor air quality, may request alternate work assignments or request leave using normal procedures.

Employees who indicate they have medical conditions impacting their ability to perform any duties of their position may be required to provide medical certification to Human Resource Services (HRS) per normal processes. Contact HRS regarding medical leave and reasonable accommodation policies and procedures.

What leave is available to employees who may have their work location impacted by fire or smoke?

WSU Facility:

If a WSU facility is closed due to fire or smoke the following applies: leave due to suspended operations or emergency closures.

Non-WSU Facility:

  • If an employee’s work location is in a non-WSU facility and the non-WSU facility is closed the employee may request of their manager the use of leave or an alternative work location including teleworking.**

**NOTE: A temporary telework arrangement is not required to accommodate work from home (or an alternative work location) during a period of suspended operations. (See UPPM 60.34, Telework Agreements.)

Employee Resources

Air Quality Resources:

WSU Alert:

Visit the appropriate website:

WSU Crisis Communication System:

Register your telephone, cell phone or email through myWSU.

For more information, please contact Human Resource Services at 509-335-4521, or at hrs@wsu.edu.

For more information on wildfires and air quality in Washington visit the WSU Office of Environmental Health and Safety.