Smoke from the dozens of active wildfires burning across Oregon has spread broadly across the Pacific Northwest, triggering air quality advisories in multiple counties across Oregon, Washington, and Idaho. Health officials across the region are urging residents — particularly those in sensitive groups — to limit outdoor exposure and keep windows closed as smoke levels push air quality into the Unhealthy range in many communities.

Oregon

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has issued air quality advisories that are expected to remain in effect through at least Friday afternoon, July 24. The advisories cover large portions of central and eastern Oregon, where the most active fires are burning. DEQ is also monitoring intermittent smoke impacts in Clackamas County and portions of eastern Douglas and northern Jackson counties in the Rogue Valley region.

Oregon's smoke information hub at oregonsmoke.org provides near-real-time updates on smoke forecasts across the state. Smoke outlooks are also available at outlooks.wildlandfiresmoke.net.

Idaho

The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality has issued air quality advisories for Ada, Canyon, Gem, Payette, and Washington counties in the Treasure Valley region, as smoke from Oregon fires funnels eastward through passes and river corridors. Additional advisories cover Boundary, Benewah, Bonner, Kootenai, and Shoshone counties in the northern panhandle.

Local air quality ordinances tied to wood burning and other sources are also in effect for Ada and Canyon counties. Residents in the Boise metro area have reported visible smoke and reduced visibility in recent days.

Washington

Eastern Washington counties are also experiencing elevated smoke levels, with air quality alerts issued for Ferry and Stevens counties through Friday, July 24, due to smoke from regional fires. The Spokane area has been particularly affected, with a combination of smoke from both Oregon fires and Washington's own active incidents pushing PM2.5 levels into problematic ranges during afternoon hours.

Health Guidance for Smoky Days

  • Check AirNow at fire.airnow.gov before spending time outdoors
  • Sensitive groups — including the elderly, children, pregnant women, and those with heart or lung conditions — should remain indoors when Air Quality Index (AQI) exceeds 100
  • Keep windows and doors closed; run air conditioners on recirculate mode if possible
  • N95 or KN95 respirators are effective at filtering smoke particles; standard cloth and surgical masks are not
  • Avoid strenuous outdoor activity during high-smoke periods, even if you feel fine
  • Create a clean air room in your home by closing off one room with a HEPA air purifier running

When Will It Clear?

Air quality forecasters say meaningful improvement depends on a change in wind patterns and a reduction in active fire behavior. With red flag conditions forecast to persist through the weekend across central and eastern Oregon, and thunderstorm activity potentially igniting new starts, smoke levels are unlikely to improve significantly in the near term. Residents should plan for several more days of elevated smoke and check airnow.gov or local DEQ portals regularly for updates.