At the height of the summer season, smoky air is shutting down some outdoor activities.
Rey Lopez, president of Agua Verde Paddle Club, said the unhealthy air is costing him.
"It got to a point where no one should be breathing deeply and exercising, and kayaking involves breathing deeply and exercising," said Lopez.
During this time of year, his business is open seven days a week, 14 hours a day. However, health alerts about Tuesday's air quality concerned him. He tried to stock up on masks, but he said he was only able to find eight on store shelves.
He decided to close his doors Tuesday. It was a tough decision for the business owner who is only open half the year. July and August are usually his busiest months.
"It is a sad thing. It's history-making for us. We have never been closed before because of smoke. Our arson last year didn't close us," said Lopez.
That arson happened on July 22, 2017. As soon as the flames were out, Agua Verde Paddle Club opened their doors the same day. But this week's air quality concerns are different.
"To be closed down because of wildfire smoke that is totally outside of our control is pretty unusual," said Lopez. "Today, normally for our business, would be a $10,000 day. And today will be zero."
He just hopes the air quality will soon be better for business. He'd like to open at noon Wednesday. Agua Verde Cafe remains open despite the smoke.
In Bellevue, city swimming areas were closed, and an outdoor movie was canceled on Tuesday because of the smoky air.
