Wildfire smoke from dozens of active fires across Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia has driven air quality to hazardous levels across much of the Pacific Northwest, with Portland briefly registering among the worst air quality of any major city worldwide. Health officials are urging residents — especially those with respiratory conditions — to limit outdoor exposure and take protective measures.

Air Quality Advisories in Effect

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) issued a broad air quality advisory on Friday, August 7, covering 27 of Oregon's 36 counties. Smoke from fires burning in both Oregon and Washington is the primary driver of poor air quality west of the Cascades, with levels reaching "Unhealthy" and at times "Very Unhealthy" categories on the Air Quality Index (AQI).

Impacted Oregon counties include: Baker, Crook, Gilliam, Grant, Hood River, Lane, Linn, Marion, Morrow, Sherman, Wasco, Wheeler, and many others, along with the Portland metro area. The Lane Regional Air Protection Agency and DEQ are coordinating advisories for the Willamette Valley.

In Washington, an Air Quality Alert has been issued until further notice for the following counties: Adams, Asotin, Chelan, Douglas, Ferry, Garfield, Grant, Lincoln, Okanogan, Pend Oreille, Spokane, Stevens, and Whitman. Smoke is causing particulate matter to reach "Very Unhealthy" levels in eastern Washington.

The Southwest Clean Air Agency extended its air quality advisories for wildfire smoke in Clark, Cowlitz, Lewis, Skamania, and Wahkiakum counties in southwest Washington. A change in wind direction expected early this week may push smoke from eastern Washington fires across the Cascades and into the Puget Sound basin.

Idaho Air Quality

The Treasure Valley and surrounding areas of southwestern Idaho are also experiencing degraded air quality from smoke generated by the Big Grass and Tartar fires. The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality advises individuals sensitive to elevated particulate matter to avoid prolonged or strenuous outdoor activity. Open burning is prohibited by air quality rule across affected regions.

Health Protective Actions

Health officials across all three states recommend the following protective actions during smoke events:

  • Stay indoors and keep windows and doors closed.
  • Use air purifiers with HEPA filtration if available.
  • Wear a properly fitted N95 or KN95 respirator if you must go outside.
  • Avoid exercising outdoors — smoke exposure risk increases significantly with physical activity.
  • Sensitive groups (elderly, children, pregnant women, those with asthma or heart disease) should be especially cautious and seek medical advice if experiencing symptoms.
  • Check local AQI at AirNow.gov before going outside.
  • Run vehicle air systems on recirculate mode to reduce smoke intake while driving.

When Will It Clear?

Meteorologists caution that as long as fires remain active and wind patterns continue to carry smoke westward, air quality improvements will be temporary and localized. A modest weather system tracking through the region early this week may provide brief relief in some areas, but the underlying smoke source — dozens of large, active fires — will continue producing heavy smoke columns for the foreseeable future.