Wildfire smoke is affecting communities across a broad swath of the Pacific Northwest this week, with air quality ranging from Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups to Unhealthy in multiple metro and rural areas. The smoke is being generated primarily by the East Evans Creek Fire in Jackson County, with additional contributions from fires burning in northeast Oregon, northern California, and eastern Washington.

Southern Oregon — Rogue Valley

The Rogue Valley is bearing the worst of the smoke impacts in the region. Communities including Gold Hill, Central Point, Eagle Point, Ashland, and Talent have recorded Unhealthy (Red AQI) and Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (Orange AQI) readings as smoke from the East Evans Creek Fire settles into the valley floor during overnight and morning hours. Valley geography traps smoke that accumulates at low elevations, and conditions are expected to remain poor through the end of the week as the fire continues to grow.

Oregon DEQs Air Quality Index monitors and IQAir real-time sensors confirm that fine particulate matter (PM2.5) concentrations have exceeded health thresholds on multiple consecutive days.

Spokane Region — Unhealthy Air Alert

Wildfire smoke drifted into the Spokane metropolitan area overnight into Thursday, prompting an Unhealthy Air Alert from the Spokane Clean Air agency. The smoke originated from fires burning across eastern Washington and northern Idaho. Residents with respiratory conditions, the elderly, children, and anyone doing outdoor exercise are advised to limit outdoor exposure during elevated smoke periods.

Smoke Drifting North to Seattle

High-level smoke from Oregon and California fires has been observed drifting northward toward the Seattle metro area, creating hazy skies even in areas not directly downwind of active fires. While surface-level PM2.5 concentrations in Seattle remain lower than in the Rogue Valley or Spokane, forecasters warn that smoke patterns can change rapidly depending on wind shifts and temperature inversions.

Health Guidance for Smoke Exposure

Health officials across the region recommend the following steps during smoke events:

  • Stay indoors with windows and doors closed when possible
  • Use certified HEPA air filters in home HVAC and air purification systems
  • Avoid using wood-burning stoves or fireplaces, which add indoor smoke
  • Wear a properly fitted N95 or KN95 respirator if you must be outdoors
  • Avoid vigorous outdoor exercise during elevated smoke periods
  • Check AQI conditions before any outdoor activities at airnow.gov
  • Seek medical attention if you experience chest tightness, difficulty breathing, or worsening symptoms

Smoke conditions can change dramatically throughout the day as winds shift and fire behavior fluctuates. Residents near any active fire perimeter should also be alert to rapidly deteriorating visibility and the smell of smoke, which can be an early warning of changing fire conditions.