After weeks of smoky skies and unhealthy air quality alerts across the Pacific Northwest, residents in many areas are finally getting a cleaner air reprieve. Early September precipitation and significant containment progress on the region biggest fires has reduced active smoke emissions, with air quality monitors reporting good conditions across much of Oregon and Washington as of September 11, 2026.

Current Air Quality Readings

As of September 11, air quality index (AQI) readings across the Pacific Northwest have dropped into the Good range in most monitored locations:

  • Redmond, Oregon: AQI 22 (Good)
  • Joseph, Oregon: AQI 17 (Good)
  • Seattle, Washington: AQI 11 (Good) at best reading over 24 hours

These readings represent a dramatic improvement from the peak smoke conditions experienced during late July and August, when multiple communities across eastern Oregon, eastern Washington, and the Snake River Plain recorded AQI values in the Very Unhealthy to Hazardous ranges.

What Drove the Improvement

Several factors have contributed to the current air quality improvement. Rain systems in early September brought humidity recovery and precipitation across parts of Oregon and Washington, helping to suppress smoldering material and reduce smoke output from active fires. Meanwhile, significant containment progress on the season largest fires — including the Big Grass Fire (578,637 acres, 94% contained), the Crosswhite Fire (342,923 acres, 93% contained), and the Grasshopper Fire (94,000 acres, 91% contained) — has substantially reduced the acreage actively producing smoke in the region.

But Smoke Season Is Not Over

Smoke forecasters and health officials caution that the current improvement may be temporary. The NIFC September-December outlook warns of continued above-normal fire potential across the Northwest through the end of the year, with a strong El Nino pattern expected to bring drier and warmer conditions through autumn and winter. Any new large fire ignitions — particularly under east-wind conditions — could rapidly return smoke to communities throughout the region.

The Oregon Smoke Blog, maintained by the Oregon Department of Forestry, remains the most current resource for smoke forecasts and air quality advisories specific to Oregon communities.

Protecting Yourself During Smoky Periods

When smoke returns, health officials recommend the following protective measures:

  • Check AirNow.gov daily for your local AQI before going outdoors.
  • Limit outdoor exertion when AQI exceeds 100 (Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups) and avoid strenuous outdoor activity when AQI exceeds 150 (Unhealthy).
  • Use N95 or P100 respirators if you must be outdoors during heavy smoke events — standard cloth or surgical masks do not filter fine smoke particles.
  • Keep indoor air clean by keeping windows and doors closed, running air conditioning on recirculate mode, and using HEPA air purifiers.
  • Check on vulnerable neighbors — the elderly, children, and those with respiratory conditions are at greatest risk from wildfire smoke exposure.

The Pacific Northwest air quality monitoring network provides near-real-time data through AirNow.gov and the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality and Washington Department of Ecology monitoring portals. Residents are encouraged to bookmark these resources and check conditions before outdoor activity during any period of elevated fire activity.