With eight large fires burning across Washington and six in Oregon — plus ongoing smoke transport from fires in Montana and California — air quality remains a significant concern for residents across the Pacific Northwest heading into the final days of September. Here's what you need to know about current conditions, health risks, and how to protect yourself.

Current Smoke Situation

Wildfires burning across north-central and eastern Oregon have been generating significant smoke since mid-summer. As of September 15, five major fires had burned a combined 500,000-plus acres in the region, according to IQAir monitoring data. Smoke from these fires, along with transport from Washington and California fires, has periodically pushed air quality into the Unhealthy and Very Unhealthy categories for sensitive groups across the Willamette Valley, Columbia River Gorge, and portions of the Puget Sound region.

The National Interagency Fire Center's weather forecast for September 22 highlights west winds gusting to 25 mph through Cascade gaps, which can shift smoke corridors rapidly. Communities east of the Cascades in both Oregon and Washington may see reduced smoke today as winds push emissions westward, while communities in western Oregon and western Washington may experience periods of hazy or smoky skies from mid-afternoon onward.

Health Risks by Group

The health risks of wildfire smoke vary significantly depending on who is exposed and for how long. The following groups face the highest risk:

  • Children and infants: Developing lungs are more susceptible to particulate matter (PM2.5) damage. Schools in affected areas should limit outdoor activities on poor air quality days.
  • Elderly residents: Older adults have reduced respiratory reserve and are more vulnerable to cardiac and pulmonary effects of smoke exposure.
  • People with asthma, COPD, or heart disease: Fine particles can trigger asthma attacks, worsen chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and increase cardiac event risk.
  • Outdoor workers: Agricultural workers, construction crews, and others working outdoors for extended periods should take scheduled indoor breaks and consult their employer's heat and smoke illness prevention plans.
  • Pregnant women: Smoke exposure is associated with adverse birth outcomes; minimizing exposure is advisable.

Protective Actions

  • Stay indoors with windows and doors closed during periods of heavy smoke. Use air conditioning if available, on recirculation mode.
  • Wear a KN95 or N95 respirator if you must be outdoors. Cloth masks and surgical masks do not filter PM2.5 particles effectively.
  • Use air purifiers with HEPA filters indoors. Portable units with a MERV-13 or higher filter rating are effective for rooms up to 300 square feet.
  • Avoid strenuous outdoor activity on days when the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaches 101 or higher (Orange — Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups).
  • Check AirNow.gov for real-time AQI readings at locations nearest you. The Oregon DEQ and Washington DOE also publish county-level smoke advisories.

Resources

  • Oregon DEQ Air Quality: oregon.gov/deq/aq
  • Washington Air Monitoring Network: ecology.wa.gov/air
  • EPA AirNow: airnow.gov
  • IQAir PNW Wildfire Map: iqair.com/newsroom

Health officials across the region continue to monitor conditions daily and issue advisories when air quality is expected to deteriorate. Check local health district websites and social media accounts for the most current guidance in your specific community.