Air quality across the Pacific Northwest has improved markedly compared to the peak of the 2026 fire season, but smoke advisories and elevated PM2.5 readings continue in portions of Oregon and eastern Washington as multiple fires remain active and smoldering across the region.

Oregon DEQ: Advisories Still Active in Affected Counties

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has maintained air quality advisories covering several counties where smoke from active and smoldering fires continues to affect local air. Ongoing smoke sources include the Grasshopper Fire in Hood River and Wasco Counties, residual smoldering from the Austin Fire, and smoke transport from Washington fires to the north.

Counties that have seen recent air quality advisories include:

  • Wasco County — Ongoing impacts from the Grasshopper Fire
  • Hood River County — Smoke from nearby fires and transport from the Gorge
  • Jefferson and Crook Counties — Periodic smoke transport from multiple fire sources
  • Wheeler County — Rural eastern Oregon, where smoke concentrations have been elevated
  • Eastern Clackamas County — Residual effects from Austin Fire area

Oregon's Smoke Blog (oregonsmoke.org) is updated daily with air quality maps, temporary monitor readings near specific fires, and forecast information for communities experiencing intermittent smoke impacts.

Eastern Washington: AQI Remains a Concern

Eastern Washington communities, particularly those in Okanogan, Ferry, and Stevens Counties, have faced some of the most persistent air quality challenges of the 2026 fire season. With multiple fires — including the Three Queens, Border 2, Luna, Sisi, and High Lava fires — still burning or smoldering in the region, AQI readings continue to swing between Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups and, on worse days, Unhealthy for all groups.

The Southwest Clean Air Agency and the Washington Department of Ecology's Air Quality Program both issue advisories when local monitors detect elevated particulate levels. Residents in eastern Washington can monitor current conditions at the Washington Department of Ecology's air quality monitoring network online.

Health Guidance for Smoke-Affected Residents

Public health officials urge residents in smoke-impacted areas to take the following precautions:

  • Check local AQI before spending time outdoors — AirNow.gov provides real-time monitoring data
  • When AQI exceeds 100 (Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups), individuals with asthma, heart disease, the elderly, and children should limit outdoor exertion
  • At AQI above 150, all residents should reduce prolonged or heavy outdoor activity
  • Use N95 or KN95 masks when outdoor exposure is unavoidable in smoke conditions
  • Keep windows and doors closed; use recirculated air in vehicles and buildings
  • Create a clean air room at home using a box fan with a MERV-13 or higher filter

Looking Ahead

The National Weather Service and Oregon DEQ forecasters anticipate gradual improvement in air quality as fall weather patterns bring increased cloud cover and precipitation to the Pacific Northwest through late October. However, any return of offshore or east wind events — common in the Columbia Gorge corridor — could temporarily funnel smoke into western Oregon valleys before the season fully transitions to winter conditions.

Residents who moved away from smoke-impacted areas during the height of the season are reminded to ventilate homes and replace HVAC filters before returning, as smoke particles can accumulate in building materials and HVAC systems during prolonged exposure events.