Smoke from several active wildfires across Washington and beyond has triggered air quality alerts across Eastern Washington and parts of Oregon, with health officials urging sensitive populations to limit outdoor exposure. The Peterson Fire in Klickitat County and fires burning in Eastern Washington produced dense smoke plumes that pushed into the Tri-Cities region and other downwind communities.

Peterson Fire Smoke Hits Tri-Cities

The Peterson Fire, which burned approximately 4,200 acres in eastern Klickitat County before being brought under control, generated a heavy smoke column that drifted northeast toward the Tri-Cities area (Kennewick, Pasco, and Richland). The Washington State Department of Ecology's smoke blog reported elevated particulate matter (PM2.5) readings in the region, reaching levels classified as "Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups."

Eastern Washington Broadly Impacted

Smoke from the Garred Road Fire near Coulee City and the Kartar Fire on the Colville Indian Reservation also contributed to reduced air quality across portions of Eastern Washington during the week of June 22. Westerly winds — while helping crews fight fires by pushing flames away from structures — carried smoke into populated areas downwind of the fire lines.

Wildfire Smoke Forecast for the Region

AccuWeather meteorologists note that smoke from western U.S. wildfires — including the massive Cottonwood Fire in Utah — could carry high-level smoke particles across the Pacific Northwest during the July Fourth weekend period. Cooler air is expected to move into the region early next week, bringing some relief from fire weather conditions, though smoke transport at upper levels may continue.

Protecting Yourself from Wildfire Smoke

  • Check AirNow.gov or the Washington Smoke Blog (wasmoke.blogspot.com) for current air quality readings
  • Stay indoors with windows closed when air quality is Unhealthy or worse
  • Use air purifiers with HEPA filters if available
  • N95 or KN95 masks provide protection from smoke particles — standard cloth masks do not
  • Sensitive groups — those with asthma, heart disease, children, and the elderly — should take extra precautions even at lower alert levels
  • Avoid vigorous outdoor activity during smoke events

Central Oregon Fire Information (centraloregonfire.org) maintains a comprehensive air quality and smoke resource page for residents of Central Oregon. Oregon residents can also text "COFIRE" to 888-777 to receive wildfire and prescribed fire text alerts.