The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) issued a wildfire smoke air quality advisory on August 14, 2026, for eight counties in central and eastern Oregon, as multiple large wildfires continue to pump smoke across the region. The advisory is expected to last at least through Friday afternoon as smoke from fires in Oregon and Washington drifts on prevailing winds.

Counties Under Oregon Smoke Advisory

  • Crook County
  • Harney County
  • Hood River County
  • Jefferson County
  • Malheur County
  • Union County
  • Wallowa County
  • Southern Wasco County

Residents in these counties are advised to limit time outdoors, especially during peak afternoon hours when smoke concentrations tend to be highest. People with respiratory conditions, heart disease, the elderly, children, and pregnant women are considered particularly sensitive and should remain indoors with windows and doors closed when possible.

Washington State: Hazardous Conditions Near Fires

Air monitoring sites in the Chelan area — near the Little Giant Fire — have recorded air quality index (AQI) values far into the Hazardous range, with some sites measuring above 500. Washington's Smoke Blog notes that while AQI graphics often "top out" at 500, instruments do measure and report above that level, and actual conditions near the fire perimeter may be significantly worse than regional monitors indicate.

The Chelan Valley, Methow Valley, and areas of eastern Washington from the Cascades to the Columbia Basin are experiencing degraded air quality from the combination of the Little Giant, Sinlahekin, and Ptarmigan fires burning in the region.

Protecting Yourself From Wildfire Smoke

  • Stay indoors and keep windows and doors closed
  • Use a HEPA air purifier if available
  • Wear an N95 or KN95 respirator if you must go outside — cloth masks do not filter fine smoke particles
  • Check AirNow.gov for real-time AQI readings in your area
  • Avoid strenuous outdoor exercise when smoke is heavy
  • If your home becomes too smoky, consider going to a designated clean air shelter

Statewide Monitoring Resources

Oregon residents can monitor conditions at oregonsmoke.org and airnow.gov. Washington residents should visit airqualitymap.ecology.wa.gov and the Washington Smoke Blog for up-to-date conditions. Idaho DEQ maintains air quality data at deq.idaho.gov.

The National Weather Service smoke advisories are in effect across portions of Idaho, Oregon, Washington, Montana, and Wyoming, with conditions expected to fluctuate as wind patterns shift over the coming days.