Wildfire Smoke Triggers Air Quality Alerts Across Pacific Northwest: What You Need to Know

Wildfire smoke from dozens of active fires across Oregon, Washington, and Idaho continues to blanket communities throughout the Pacific Northwest, with multiple air quality agencies issuing alerts this week. Health officials are urging residents — especially children, older adults, and those with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions — to limit outdoor exposure during smoke events.

Active Air Quality Alerts

Several air quality agencies have issued alerts affecting communities across the region:

Northwest Clean Air Agency has issued an Air Quality Alert for Skagit and Whatcom Counties in northwestern Washington, in effect through Saturday morning at 9 AM.
Southwest Clean Air Agency has issued a wildfire smoke air quality alert for Skamania County through tomorrow evening, with intermittent impacts also expected in neighboring counties.
Air quality alerts have been issued for approximately 33 cities across central and northeastern Washington due to smoke sweeping through the region from active fires in Eastern Oregon and Washington.

Smoke Reaches Beyond the Fire Lines

One of the most challenging aspects of this fire season is the geographic reach of the smoke. Communities hundreds of miles from the nearest fire are experiencing unhealthy air quality due to a broad layer of smoke that has merged with transport from fires across the entire Pacific Northwest and portions of Canada. At times this season, smoke from Northwest fires has been detected as far east as the Great Plains.

In Montana, hot temperatures and westerly winds have pushed smoke back into communities from the Flathead Valley to Billings, with air quality deteriorating significantly after brief improvements last week.

Understanding AQI Levels

The Air Quality Index (AQI) measures concentrations of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and other pollutants. Here's what the categories mean for your health:

0–50 (Good): Air quality is satisfactory.
51–100 (Moderate): Sensitive groups should consider limiting prolonged outdoor exertion.
101–150 (Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups): Children, elderly, and those with lung or heart disease should limit outdoor activity.
151–200 (Unhealthy): Everyone should limit prolonged outdoor exertion.
201–300 (Very Unhealthy): Everyone should avoid outdoor exertion; stay indoors with windows and doors closed.
301+ (Hazardous): Health emergency — everyone should remain indoors.

Washington's Emergency Burn Ban Adds Protection

Washington state's emergency burn ban, in effect statewide through September 30, 2026, prohibits all outdoor recreational and agricultural burning. The ban was issued by Governor Ferguson in response to drought conditions and is enforced by both state and local authorities. Washington's Department of Ecology reminds residents that this ban applies even to small fires and outdoor fire pits.

Protecting Yourself from Smoke

Monitor current air quality at fire.airnow.gov — enter your zip code for real-time AQI readings
If indoors, keep windows and doors closed; use air conditioning if available, set to recirculate
Use a HEPA air purifier if you have one
If you must go outdoors during unhealthy conditions, wear a properly fitted N95 or KN95 respirator (cloth masks and surgical masks do not filter fine particles adequately)
Avoid strenuous activity during the times of day when smoke concentrations are highest — typically late afternoon and evening when mixing decreases
Check on neighbors, especially elderly individuals who may not have information about smoke conditions