Wildfire smoke from dozens of active fires continues to degrade air quality across the Pacific Northwest, with the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) maintaining smoke advisories for multiple counties as of August 18, 2026. Washington's eastern counties are also under air quality warnings, and health officials are urging sensitive populations to limit time outdoors.

Oregon: Current Advisory Counties

Oregon DEQ has issued an active air quality advisory for smoke from multiple wildfires burning in Oregon and Washington, affecting the following counties:

  • Crook County
  • Hood River County
  • Jefferson County
  • Southern Wasco County
  • Wheeler County
  • Eastern Clackamas County

The advisory is expected to remain in effect through at least mid-week, with improvement dependent on wind shifts that could push smoke out of the region or, alternatively, draw in additional smoke from new fire growth.

Washington: Eastern Counties Hit Hard

Air quality monitoring stations in eastern Washington near active fires have recorded AQI values that have, at times, exceeded 500 — above the formal "Hazardous" threshold on the EPA's Air Quality Index. Spokane, the Tri-Cities, and communities in Okanogan County have experienced some of the worst air quality readings. Smoke has intermittently affected the Puget Sound region as well, though onshore marine airflow has provided partial relief west of the Cascades.

Health Guidance for Smoke Events

During smoke events, health officials recommend the following precautions:

  • Stay indoors with windows and doors closed as much as possible.
  • Run air conditioning in recirculation mode rather than the fresh-air setting.
  • Use air purifiers with HEPA filters in key rooms.
  • Wear an N95 or P100 respirator if you must be outdoors for extended periods; cloth masks and surgical masks do not filter fine smoke particles effectively.
  • Avoid strenuous outdoor exercise when AQI exceeds 100 (Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups).
  • Check on vulnerable neighbors — the elderly, young children, and those with asthma, COPD, or heart disease face the greatest health risk.

Monitoring Resources

Residents can check real-time air quality conditions using the following tools:

  • AirNow.gov — official EPA monitoring network data by zip code or county
  • oregonsmoke.org — Oregon-specific wildfire smoke and air quality advisories
  • PurpleAir.com — crowd-sourced sensor network with hyperlocal AQI readings
  • Washington DOE Air Quality Map — statewide monitoring for Washington

Air quality conditions can change rapidly as fire behavior and wind patterns shift. Residents are encouraged to check monitoring sites regularly throughout the day rather than relying on morning readings alone.