As the 2026 wildfire season ramps up across the Pacific Northwest, air quality is emerging as a major public health concern. With active fires already producing smoke in Central Oregon and California, and a long, severe season forecast ahead, residents of Oregon, Washington, and Idaho should be prepared to monitor and respond to smoke events throughout the summer and fall.

Current Conditions

Smoke from the Pine Mountain Fire southeast of Bend has been visible from Highway 20, the Bend metro area, and the Newberry Caldera following the fire's ignition on May 7. Additionally, an air quality advisory for Deschutes County noted that stagnant air conditions could trap smoke and other pollutants near ground level where people breathe.

A larger concern looms as the season progresses: Oregon's record-low snowpack and severe drought conditions are expected to produce a more active fire season than the relatively mild 2025 season, raising the risk of extended smoke events across the region.

Understanding the Air Quality Index

The Air Quality Index (AQI) measures how clean or polluted the air is using PM2.5 — fine particulate matter that can be inhaled deeply into the lungs. During wildfire smoke events, pay close attention to these AQI thresholds:

  • 0-50 (Good): No restrictions needed
  • 51-100 (Moderate): Unusually sensitive people should reduce prolonged outdoor exertion
  • 101-150 (Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups): People with heart or lung disease, older adults, children should limit outdoor exertion
  • 151-200 (Unhealthy): Everyone should limit prolonged outdoor exertion
  • 201-300 (Very Unhealthy): Avoid prolonged outdoor exertion; everyone should reduce time outdoors
  • 301+ (Hazardous): Avoid all outdoor physical activity; remain indoors

Where to Monitor Air Quality

Pacific Northwest residents have several reliable tools for tracking smoke and air quality:

  • AirNow.gov — Real-time AQI maps and forecasts nationwide
  • fire.airnow.gov — Smoke and air quality specifically near active fire incidents
  • Oregon Smoke Blog (smokeblog.oregonstate.edu) — Daily smoke forecasts for specific Oregon areas, with temporary monitors near active fires
  • NWS Boise Smoke Forecast (weather.gov/boi/smoke) — Experimental model forecasts for Idaho and the Northern Rockies

Protecting Yourself During Smoke Events

  • Stay indoors with windows and doors closed
  • Use an air purifier with a HEPA filter if available
  • Wear an N95 or P100 respirator — not a cloth mask — if you must go outside
  • Keep medications for asthma or heart conditions on hand
  • Check on elderly neighbors and those with respiratory conditions

Oregon's DEQ reminds residents that certain jurisdictions issue their own localized air advisories during fire events. Sign up for notifications through your county emergency management office and bookmark your local air quality monitoring page before smoke season arrives.