Smoke Chokes Pacific Northwest: Air Quality Advisories Cover Nearly All of Oregon, Washington, and Idaho

Wildfire smoke from dozens of active fires burning across Oregon, Washington, and Idaho has pushed air quality to unhealthy levels across the Pacific Northwest, prompting statewide advisories and public health warnings as of August 11, 2026.

Oregon

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality issued an air quality advisory on Friday, August 7, covering Baker, Crook, and many additional counties due to smoke from multiple wildfires burning in both Oregon and Washington. At its peak, health officials warned of unhealthy air quality for nearly the entire state — a rare and alarming development. Oregon health agencies urged all residents — not just those in sensitive groups — to limit outdoor exertion, keep windows closed, and use HEPA air purifiers indoors if available.

Washington

The Spokane Area Fires generated massive smoke columns visible from satellite, with NASA imagery documenting thick smoke streams extending hundreds of miles downwind. Air quality in eastern Washington — particularly Spokane, Cheney, and surrounding communities — reached Unhealthy and Very Unhealthy categories on the AQI scale for multiple consecutive days. Western Washington communities received smoke intrusions from both local fires and transport from Oregon, prompting advisories in the Puget Sound region as well.

Idaho

Air quality advisories have been issued for dozens of counties across Idaho as a result of wildfire smoke transport from neighboring states and new fire starts within Idaho itself. The National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) in Boise issued a fuels and fire behavior advisory for Southwest Idaho, adding to resident concern about both smoke exposure and new fire ignition risk.

Protecting Your Health

Health agencies across all three states recommend the following actions when smoke is present:

Stay indoors with windows and doors closed.
Use air purifiers with HEPA filters to reduce indoor particulate concentrations.
Avoid vigorous outdoor exercise; postpone yard work, running, and cycling.
Wear an N95 or KN95 respirator if you must go outside for extended periods.
Check AirNow.gov or your state DEQ website for real-time AQI readings at your location.
Sensitive groups — children, elderly adults, pregnant women, and those with heart or lung disease — should take extra precautions even when AQI is in the Moderate range.

When Will It Clear?

Meteorologists forecast that a modest cooldown and wind shift expected toward the end of the week may provide brief relief for some areas. However, with fires continuing to burn and above-average fire potential extending through September, smoke events are expected to remain a recurring public health challenge across the Pacific Northwest through the rest of the summer.