PORTLAND, Ore. — Wildfire smoke from multiple active fires across the Pacific Northwest has driven air quality to unhealthy levels in several Oregon communities this week, prompting the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to issue a series of smoke air quality advisories affecting hundreds of thousands of residents.

Current Advisories

The following areas have been under active air quality advisories as of September 1–2, 2026:

  • Deschutes County — Transitioning to an intermittent smoke advisory by the evening of September 1; poor air quality expected until at least the evening of September 1
  • Eastern Marion County — Air quality advisory in effect through the afternoon of September 2, with wildfires in the region causing air quality to reach unhealthy levels at times
  • Baker County — Intermittent smoke expected
  • Eastern Clackamas County — Intermittent smoke expected

Smoke sources include multiple active wildfires burning across Oregon and neighboring states. DEQ's monitoring network has recorded fine particulate matter (PM2.5) reaching thresholds that constitute unhealthy air quality under the EPA's Air Quality Index.

Health Impacts

Oregon DEQ warns that smoke pollution can cause or worsen a range of health conditions. Pollutants in wildfire smoke include:

  • Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) that penetrates deep into the lungs
  • Carbon monoxide and other combustion byproducts
  • Volatile organic compounds from burning vegetation and structures

Exposure can cause burning eyes, runny nose, throat irritation, and coughing. People with asthma, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or other lung conditions face elevated risk, as do children, the elderly, and pregnant women.

Protective Actions

  • Stay indoors with windows and doors closed on high smoke days
  • Use air conditioning if available, set to recirculate indoor air rather than drawing from outside
  • Use a high-quality air purifier with a HEPA filter in frequently used rooms
  • Wear an N95 or KN95 mask when you must go outdoors — cloth masks do not filter fine particles
  • Avoid strenuous outdoor activity when air quality is in the Unhealthy or Very Unhealthy range
  • Check on elderly neighbors, children, and those with preexisting conditions

Monitor Air Quality in Real Time

Oregon residents can track current conditions using the following resources:

DEQ updates its smoke advisories as conditions change. Central Oregon residents are also encouraged to text COFIRE to 888-777 to receive wildfire and smoke text alerts.