Wildfire smoke is increasingly a fact of life for Pacific Northwest residents from late spring through fall, and 2026 is shaping up to be a year when air quality could be a significant concern across Oregon, Washington, and Idaho. With prescribed burns already active and a severe fire season on the horizon, knowing how to protect yourself and your family from smoke exposure is critical.

How Smoke Affects Health

Wildfire smoke is a complex mixture of fine particulate matter (PM2.5), carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds, and other toxic gases. The fine particles are small enough to penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream. Short-term exposure can cause eye and throat irritation, coughing, and shortness of breath. Longer or more intense exposures can trigger asthma attacks, worsen heart and lung disease, and pose serious risks for children, the elderly, and people with pre-existing conditions.

Monitoring Air Quality

Several tools are available to Pacific Northwest residents for tracking smoke and air quality:

  • AirNow.gov — the federal Air Quality Index (AQI) map, updated hourly with data from monitoring stations across the region
  • Oregon DEQ Air Quality — oregon.gov/deq provides state-specific monitoring and smoke management information
  • PurpleAir — a network of lower-cost sensors that can provide hyperlocal, real-time readings
  • NWS smoke forecasts — the National Weather Service issues smoke dispersal forecasts and air quality alerts
  • Central Oregon Fire Information — centraloregonfire.org provides a centralized resource for prescribed fire smoke and wildfire smoke in the Deschutes/Ochoco region

Protecting Yourself on Smoky Days

When air quality deteriorates, health officials recommend the following steps:

  • Stay indoors with windows and doors closed when AQI exceeds 100 (Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups) or higher
  • Use HVAC systems with clean MERV-13 or higher filters, or run a portable air purifier with a HEPA filter
  • If you must go outside, wear a well-fitted N95 or KN95 respirator — cloth masks and surgical masks provide minimal protection from PM2.5
  • Avoid strenuous outdoor activity during elevated smoke events
  • Keep medications for respiratory conditions accessible and up to date

Prescribed Fire and Smoke

Residents in fire-prone areas of Oregon and Washington may also experience smoke from prescribed burns this spring. These events are coordinated with Oregon DEQ and Washington Department of Ecology under state smoke management programs. Prescribed fire managers are required to monitor smoke dispersal and coordinate burn timing to minimize community exposure, but some smoke is an inevitable byproduct. The long-term benefit — reduced wildfire risk and smoke from uncontrolled wildfires — is considered worth the short-term impact under state and federal policy.

If you are experiencing smoke from a prescribed burn and believe it poses a public health risk, contact your county health department or Oregon DEQ / Washington Ecology regional office.