Thick wildfire smoke from dozens of active fires continues to blanket much of eastern Oregon and eastern Washington, triggering air quality advisories and Smoke Sensitive Groups Alerts across a wide swath of the Pacific Northwest. Meteorologists warn that conditions are expected to deteriorate significantly this weekend as a dry cold front drives explosive fire growth and dramatically increases smoke production.

Oregon Smoke Information has issued advisories effective through at least July 31 for Baker, eastern Clackamas, Crook, Grant, Harney, Jefferson, northern Malheur, eastern Umatilla, Union, Wallowa, southern Wasco, and Wheeler counties — covering much of the state east of the Cascades. Union County, Oregon has recorded some of the worst air quality in the state, reaching a Level 5 of 6 on the Air Quality Index scale — classified as "Very Unhealthy" — with readings posing serious health risks even to healthy individuals.

Why This Weekend Could Be Worse

The Washington Smoke Blog, maintained by the Washington Department of Ecology, warned that the passage of a dry cold front this weekend will lead to "significant smoke production from ongoing and emerging wildfires in Washington, Oregon, and British Columbia." While a brief period of strong southwest winds may temporarily improve air quality in some areas, the rapid fire growth expected under the PDS wind event will result in dramatically increased smoke output that will settle over populated areas in its wake.

"Extreme conditions tomorrow with the passage of a dry cold front will lead to significant smoke production from ongoing and emerging wildfires," the Washington Smoke Blog noted Friday. "While there may be a brief air quality improvement from a strong push of southwest winds, areas downwind of these fires should expect smoke to return worse than before."

Health Guidance for Smoke-Affected Areas

Health officials across Oregon and Washington are urging residents in smoke-affected areas to take the following precautions:

  • Stay indoors with windows and doors closed as much as possible during periods of heavy smoke
  • Use air filtration — HEPA air purifiers are effective at reducing indoor smoke particulates
  • Avoid strenuous outdoor activity — exercise increases your breathing rate and the amount of smoke you inhale
  • Wear a properly fitted N95 or KN95 mask if you must be outdoors; cloth and surgical masks do not protect against wildfire smoke particles
  • Check on vulnerable neighbors — seniors, children, people with asthma or heart conditions, and outdoor workers face elevated health risks from smoke exposure
  • Know your air quality at AirNow.gov (fire.airnow.gov) or the Oregon Smoke Information website (oregonsmoke.org)

Western Oregon Also Impacted

While conditions are most severe east of the Cascades, smoke is also visible in the Portland metro area and the Willamette Valley from fires burning throughout the region and in British Columbia. The KATU weather team noted that while Portland is experiencing cooler, cloudier weather with some rain, areas east of the mountains are facing a dramatically different reality.

Residents of the Methow Valley in Washington have been dealing with persistent smoke from the Little Giant and Ptarmigan fires, both of which are burning within smoke-transport distance of the valley's communities. Schools and outdoor facilities in the Methow and Wenatchee areas have curtailed outdoor activities in response to elevated smoke levels.

Real-Time Resources

  • Oregon Smoke Information: oregonsmoke.org
  • Washington Smoke Blog: wasmoke.blogspot.com
  • National Fire and Smoke Map: fire.airnow.gov
  • AirNow real-time AQI: airnow.gov

Air quality conditions will continue to evolve rapidly this weekend. Residents throughout the Pacific Northwest — particularly those with respiratory conditions — should check air quality frequently and err on the side of staying indoors during periods of active smoke impact.