The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has issued air quality advisories covering all or parts of seven Oregon counties, while forecasting intermittent smoke in five additional counties, as wildfire smoke from dozens of active fires blankets much of the state this weekend.

Current Advisory Areas

Oregon DEQ issued the advisories on July 17, 2026, and expects conditions to persist through at least Monday afternoon, July 20. The advisory areas include counties in eastern and central Oregon bearing the brunt of smoke from the region's active fire complex:

  • Umatilla County — heavy smoke from the Lower Dry Creek Fire
  • Union County — ongoing smoke impacts
  • Crook County — intermittent to persistent smoke
  • Gilliam County — smoke advisory in effect
  • Deschutes County — smoke from multiple central Oregon fires
  • Jackson County — smoke from East Evans Creek Fire
  • Wheeler County — multiple nearby fires producing heavy smoke

Five additional counties are expected to experience intermittent smoke, though they have not been placed under a full advisory as of July 19.

Eastern Washington Air Quality

Across the border, the Spokane area and much of eastern Washington are experiencing degraded air quality from the Lyons Ferry Fire and other active incidents. The Washington Smoke Blog noted that while western Washington benefits from clean Pacific air, communities to the north and east of fire activity in eastern Washington and Oregon should expect continued periods of smoke through the weekend.

Health Guidance

During active smoke events, Oregon DEQ and Washington Department of Ecology recommend:

  • Limit time outdoors, especially during heavy smoke periods
  • Avoid strenuous outdoor activity — if you can smell smoke, the air quality is unhealthy
  • Keep windows and doors closed and set HVAC systems to recirculate indoor air
  • Use portable air cleaners with HEPA filters indoors
  • Wear an N95 or P100 respirator if you must be outdoors in heavy smoke
  • Check AirNow.gov for real-time Air Quality Index (AQI) data for your location

Sensitive Groups at Elevated Risk

People with asthma, COPD, heart disease, or other respiratory or cardiovascular conditions are at highest risk from wildfire smoke. Children, the elderly, and pregnant women should also take extra precautions. If symptoms such as chest tightness, shortness of breath, or persistent coughing develop, seek medical attention.

When Will It Clear?

Oregon DEQ expects the advisory to remain in effect through at least the afternoon of Monday, July 20. However, with dozens of large fires continuing to burn and no significant weather pattern change in the forecast before mid-week, air quality conditions may remain poor beyond the initial advisory period. Check oregonsmoke.org for updated forecasts and advisories.