Wildfire smoke from dozens of active fires is blanketing large portions of eastern Oregon and Washington this weekend, with air quality reaching Very Unhealthy and Hazardous levels in some communities. Health officials are urging vulnerable populations — including the elderly, children, and those with respiratory or heart conditions — to stay indoors, seal windows and doors, and run air purifiers or air conditioning if available.

Oregon Air Quality Advisories

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has issued or extended air quality advisories through this weekend for the following counties, where wildfire smoke is expected to drive air quality to Unhealthy levels:

  • Baker County
  • Crook County
  • Deschutes County
  • Northern Harney County
  • Grant County
  • Jefferson County
  • Northern Malheur County
  • Union County
  • Southern Umatilla County
  • Wheeler County

Additional counties — including Gilliam, Sherman, southern Harney, Jackson, and northern Klamath — are expected to see intermittent smoke. The DEQ advisory notes that “wildfires burning in the region combined with forecasted conditions will cause air quality to reach unhealthy levels.” Baker City is experiencing some of the worst conditions in the state, with smoke compounded by proximity to Level 3 evacuation zones.

Washington State Air Quality

Eastern Washington communities near the Kaiser Canyon and Little Giant fires are experiencing severe smoke impacts. Recent AQI readings from AirNow show:

  • Orondo: 246 (Very Unhealthy)
  • Entiat: 217 (Very Unhealthy)
  • Leavenworth: 213 (Very Unhealthy)
  • Chelan: 157 (Unhealthy)
  • Spokane: 63 (Moderate)
  • Walla Walla: 74 (Moderate)

Western Washington, including Seattle, Tacoma, and Bellingham, currently has good to excellent air quality as winds push smoke toward the east. FOX 13 meteorologists say that pattern is expected to hold through the weekend.

Yale Climate Connections Calls It Historic

Yale Climate Connections described the current smoke situation as a “dangerous and historic wildfire smoke pollution event” affecting both the U.S. and Canada, directly tied to the lightning-sparked fire outbreak that swept eastern Oregon and Washington in mid-July.

What You Can Do

  • Check AirNow.gov or the AirNow Fire and Smoke Map for real-time conditions in your area.
  • Wear an N95 or KN95 respirator mask if you must be outside.
  • Keep indoor air clean by running HVAC systems with clean filters or portable air purifiers.
  • Avoid strenuous outdoor activity, especially during peak smoke hours (midday to evening).
  • Check on neighbors, especially the elderly or those without air conditioning.