Wildfire smoke is significantly degrading air quality across Oregon and parts of Washington, with the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) issuing formal air pollution advisories for portions of seven counties and monitoring conditions in five additional counties as of the weekend of July 18–19, 2026.

Oregon DEQ Advisories

The Oregon DEQ expects the air quality advisory to remain in effect through at least Monday afternoon, July 20. Counties most directly affected include Umatilla, Union, Crook, Gilliam, and Deschutes counties, where smoke from the Lower Dry Creek Fire, the Rowe Creek Complex, and other fires is concentrated at the surface level during overnight and morning hours when atmospheric mixing is limited.

DEQ cautions that "air pollution levels may start to build with calm, hot weather and reduced ventilation," and that during active fire seasons, conditions can degrade rapidly. Smoke levels are expected to be intermittent, fluctuating between Moderate and Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups depending on wind direction and fire behavior throughout the day.

National Weather Service Air Quality Alerts

The National Weather Service has issued separate Air Quality Alerts for portions of Oregon, noting that "wildfires burning in the region combined with forecast conditions will cause air quality levels to fluctuate and could be at unhealthy levels." The NWS alerts were issued through 8 PM PDT Friday and may be extended as conditions persist.

Spokane and Eastern Washington

The Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency reports that air quality in the greater Spokane area is trending toward Moderate AQI levels, with potential for further degradation if the Kaiser Canyon Fire smoke column shifts west. The agency has advised residents to monitor forecasts closely and avoid prolonged outdoor exertion, particularly during afternoon hours when smoke aloft can mix to the surface.

Canadian Smoke Adds to the Burden

According to the Washington Smoke Blog, fires burning in the Northwest Territories of Canada are producing significant smoke plumes visible in satellite imagery as far south as Oregon. While this Canadian smoke is currently aloft and not mixing to the surface, forecasters are watching to see whether a change in upper-level flow patterns could bring additional smoke down to ground level in coming days.

Health Guidance

When air quality reaches Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (AQI 101–150) or worse, health officials recommend:

  • Limit outdoor physical activity, especially strenuous exercise
  • Keep windows and doors closed during smoky periods
  • Use air purifiers with HEPA filters indoors if available
  • Wear a properly fitted N95 or P100 respirator if you must be outdoors in heavy smoke
  • Check current AQI at airnow.gov or the Oregon DEQ's oregonsmoke.org
  • Individuals with asthma, heart disease, or other respiratory conditions should consult their doctor
  • Children, elderly, and pregnant individuals are at elevated risk and should take extra precautions

AQI forecasts can change rapidly during active fire events. Residents in affected counties are advised to monitor conditions frequently and have a plan for sheltering indoors if smoke becomes severe.