The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has extended air quality advisories across much of the state through at least Friday, August 14, 2026, as heavy smoke from multiple wildfires continues to degrade air quality for hundreds of thousands of residents. The ongoing advisory was first issued August 6 and has been extended multiple times as fire activity shows no signs of abating.

The advisory covers counties across eastern and central Oregon, with smoke impacts also reported in western Oregon and the Portland metro area on days when wind patterns carry smoke westward across the Cascades.

Who Is Most at Risk

An air quality advisory from Oregon DEQ indicates smoke concentrations are high enough to cause health effects, particularly for sensitive populations:

  • Children and teenagers, whose lungs are still developing
  • Older adults (age 65 and older)
  • People with heart or lung disease, asthma, COPD, or other respiratory conditions
  • Pregnant women
  • Anyone doing heavy outdoor work or exercise

During an advisory, sensitive groups should avoid prolonged outdoor exertion and limit time spent outside. When air quality reaches "Very Unhealthy" or "Hazardous" levels, even healthy adults should limit all outdoor activity.

The Scale of the Smoke Problem

The smoke blanketing the Pacific Northwest is generated by approximately 2.2 million acres actively burning across Oregon and Washington. With Oregon experiencing its most severe fire season by acreage in recorded history, smoke impacts are expected to persist throughout the remaining fire season — potentially through October in some parts of the state.

The Washington Smoke Blog, which tracks air quality statewide, also noted elevated concentrations in the western Columbia Gorge, where wind dynamics and fire proximity have combined to create localized spikes in particulate matter.

How to Protect Yourself

  • Check real-time air quality at airnow.gov before going outside
  • Use N95 or P100 respirators when outdoors in heavy smoke — cloth and surgical masks do not filter fine particles effectively
  • Keep windows and doors closed; run HVAC systems on recirculation mode if available
  • Create a clean air room in your home using a HEPA air purifier
  • Avoid burning wood, candles, or incense, which add to indoor particulate levels
  • Stay hydrated and watch for symptoms including coughing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, or unusual fatigue
  • Check on elderly neighbors and those without air conditioning

Oregon DEQ smoke information is updated regularly at oregonsmoke.org. The agency will issue updates as conditions change through the end of the advisory period and beyond.