Air Quality

Wildfire smoke from eastern Washington, the northern Cascades, and British Columbia drove AQI readings to unhealthy levels at stations from Kennewick to Seattle this week, prompting health warnings across the Pacific Northwest.

Smoke from smoldering Cascade fires continues to pool in low-lying valleys around Stehekin, Lake Wenatchee, and Cle Elum, while Oregon's tourism season was significantly disrupted by smoke from multiple large fires.

Wildfire smoke from dozens of active fires continues to affect air quality across Oregon, Washington, and Idaho. While conditions have improved from the season's worst levels in late July and early August, smoke remains a periodic health concern as late-season fires burn and atmospheric conditions fluctuate.

From Seattle to Portland to Boise, wildfire smoke has dominated air quality conditions across the Pacific Northwest this summer, briefly pushing cities onto lists of the world's most polluted urban areas. Health officials urge residents to monitor AQI and limit outdoor exposure.

Weeks of wildfire smoke have triggered air quality advisories across Oregon, Washington, and Idaho, with health agencies urging residents to limit outdoor exposure while tourism boards report significant disruption to the late-summer travel season.

Air quality alerts remain active across 13 eastern Washington counties and multiple Oregon and Idaho regions. ODEQ, Washington Ecology, and Idaho DEQ continue issuing advisories as 27 active large PNW fires push smoke into communities.

Wildfire smoke from fires across Washington, Idaho, and Montana continues to affect air quality in the Pacific Northwest. Wenatchee hit an AQI of 193 on September 12. Tips on protecting yourself from smoke exposure.

Wildfire smoke has repeatedly blanketed communities across Oregon and Washington in 2026. With fire danger remaining elevated through fall, here's what residents need to know about monitoring and protecting themselves from poor air quality.

Air quality has improved to Good levels across much of the Pacific Northwest following early September rain and containment progress on major fires. Redmond shows AQI 22, Seattle AQI 11 — but forecasters warn conditions could deteriorate again as dry weather returns.

After weeks of hazardous smoke, air quality is improving in parts of the Pacific Northwest — but health officials warn that ongoing fires and the forecast for elevated danger through December mean more smoke events are likely this fall.

An Air Quality Alert was issued Wednesday for cities in central and northeastern Washington as wildfire smoke pushed through the region. Health officials are urging sensitive groups to limit outdoor activity as PM2.5 levels rose into the unhealthy range in some areas.

Smoke from dozens of active fires across Washington, Oregon, and Idaho continues to intermittently degrade Pacific Northwest air quality, with conditions ranging from Good to Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups depending on location and wind patterns.

Washington State's emergency burn ban runs through September 30, covering all 39 counties as 13 large fires burn statewide. Smoke from Central Washington fires and transported Oregon smoke continues to affect air quality, with west winds Tuesday expected to bring temporary relief.

Oregon's Department of Environmental Quality has issued air quality advisories covering Crook, Deschutes, Jefferson, eastern Marion, and southern Wasco counties as ongoing wildfire smoke produces unhealthy air for sensitive groups across Central Oregon.

Air quality is improving across much of the Pacific Northwest as cooler temperatures and precipitation settle wildfire smoke from dozens of active fires. Oregon DEQ advisories eased in early September.

A wave of cooler air and scattered showers is bringing relief to smoke-weary Pacific Northwest communities. Portland's AQI has returned to Good, and Oregon DEQ smoke advisories have lifted for most counties — though localized smoke impacts may continue near active fires.

Air quality is improving significantly across Oregon and Washington for the Labor Day weekend as cooler weather pushes wildfire smoke out of the region. Oregon smoke advisories have ended for most counties, with Portland's AQI now rated Good.

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has issued smoke air quality advisories for Deschutes, eastern Marion, Baker, and eastern Clackamas counties as wildfires drive fine particulate levels to unhealthy thresholds. Residents with respiratory conditions are urged to limit outdoor exposure.

Oregon DEQ has extended a smoke advisory through Wednesday afternoon for multiple eastern Oregon counties including portions of Marion, Deschutes, Baker, and Clackamas counties, urging residents to limit outdoor exposure.

Oregon DEQ has issued air quality advisories for Deschutes, Baker, and eastern Clackamas counties as wildfire smoke blankets the region. Washington has a statewide burn ban through September 30. Here's what residents need to know to protect their health.