While recent rain and cooler temperatures have reduced active fire behavior across Oregon and Washington, smoke from dozens of fires burning across Idaho, Montana, and elsewhere continues to periodically impact air quality in the Pacific Northwest. Residents should monitor air quality conditions daily and take precautions on unhealthy days.

Current Air Quality Snapshot

Air quality conditions across the region have been highly variable over the past week, reflecting both the changing weather pattern and shifting smoke transport:

  • Wenatchee, WA: Air Quality Index (AQI) reached 193 — “Very Unhealthy” — on the evening of September 12, driven by smoke from fires in north-central Washington and Idaho. Daytime conditions improved to the “Moderate” range.
  • Redmond, OR: AQI fluctuated between 21 (Good) and 58 (Moderate) over the past several days, reflecting sporadic smoke transport from eastern Oregon fires.
  • Seattle, WA: Conditions have been largely good, with the best reading of 11 AQI recorded in recent days as westerly flow has kept smoke east of the Cascades.

Understanding the AQI Scale

The Air Quality Index helps residents assess health risk from air pollution, including wildfire smoke:

  • 0–50 (Good): No health concerns.
  • 51–100 (Moderate): Sensitive groups may experience minor effects.
  • 101–150 (Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups): Children, elderly, and those with heart or lung conditions should reduce outdoor activity.
  • 151–200 (Unhealthy): Everyone may experience health effects. Limit prolonged outdoor exertion.
  • 201–300 (Very Unhealthy): Avoid all strenuous outdoor activity.

Protecting Yourself from Wildfire Smoke

Even on days when smoke is not visible, fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in wildfire smoke can pose health risks. Officials recommend:

  • Check airnow.gov daily for your local AQI reading before heading outdoors.
  • Keep windows and doors closed when outdoor AQI exceeds 100.
  • Use a HEPA air purifier indoors, especially for sleeping areas.
  • When outside in smoky conditions, wear an N95 or P100 respirator mask — cloth masks do not filter fine particles.
  • Limit outdoor exercise on smoke-impacted days, particularly for children, the elderly, and those with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions.

Resources

Oregon residents can monitor smoke conditions at the Oregon Smoke Blog (oregonsmoke.blogspot.com) and the Oregon State Fire Marshal interactive maps at osfminfo.org. Washington residents can track air quality at wasmoke.blogspot.com. Statewide air quality data is available at airnow.gov.