Weeks of continuous wildfire smoke have pushed air quality in parts of Eastern Washington and the broader Pacific Northwest to unhealthy and hazardous levels, with air quality advisories remaining in effect across multiple counties as fires across the region continue to pump fine particulate matter into the atmosphere.

The Washington State Department of Ecology, which issued an emergency statewide burn ban through September 30, 2026, has been tracking elevated smoke levels since early August. The U.S. Interagency Wildland Fire Air Quality Response Program issued air quality advisories across multiple Washington counties as recently as August 28, warning that conditions would remain poor through the Labor Day weekend.

Worst-Hit Areas

The hardest-hit regions for smoke and air quality this season have been the counties east of the Cascade crest, where smoke from both local and regional fires has been described by the Washington Smoke Blog as "relentless" throughout August:

  • Chelan County: Multiple air quality monitors recorded 24-hour average AQI values exceeding 150 — the threshold for the "Unhealthy" category — on numerous days in August. At 151 and above, the EPA recommends that everyone, not just sensitive groups, reduce outdoor exertion.
  • Douglas County: Similar AQI spikes linked to local fire activity and smoke transport from the Okanogan and northern fires.
  • Okanogan County: Consistently poor air quality driven by the Sinlahekin and other area fires, with smoke plumes visible from satellite imagery drifting north into British Columbia.

Understanding the Air Quality Index

The AQI measures concentrations of fine particulate matter (PM2.5), ground-level ozone, and other pollutants. For wildfire smoke, PM2.5 is the primary concern:

  • 0–50 (Good): No action needed.
  • 51–100 (Moderate): Unusually sensitive people should consider limiting prolonged outdoor activity.
  • 101–150 (Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups): People with lung disease, older adults, and children should limit outdoor exertion.
  • 151–200 (Unhealthy): Everyone should reduce outdoor activity. Sensitive groups should avoid it.
  • 201–300 (Very Unhealthy): Everyone should avoid prolonged or heavy outdoor exertion. Sensitive groups should remain indoors.
  • 301+ (Hazardous): Everyone should avoid all outdoor activity.

Protecting Yourself from Smoke

Health officials offer the following guidance during elevated smoke periods:

  • Stay indoors with windows and doors closed when possible. Use air conditioning in recirculation mode.
  • Use a portable air cleaner with a HEPA filter in your home's main living areas.
  • If you must go outdoors, wear a well-fitted N95 or KN95/FFP2 respirator mask. Cloth masks and surgical masks do not filter PM2.5 effectively.
  • Avoid vigorous outdoor exercise when smoke is visible or AQI is elevated.
  • Check your local AQI before outdoor activities at AirNow.gov or fire.airnow.gov.
  • People with asthma, COPD, heart disease, or other respiratory conditions should consult their physician about whether to take preventive medications.

Outlook

With multiple large fires still burning and September's historically active fire weather ahead, smoke events are expected to continue affecting the region. The U.S. Interagency Wildland Fire Air Quality Response Program issues smoke outlooks for regions across the Pacific Northwest; current advisories for North Central Washington and other zones are available at outlooks.airfire.org.