As wildfire activity ramps up across the western United States and the Pacific Northwest moves toward what forecasters are calling one of the most dangerous fire seasons in recent history, air quality officials and emergency managers are urging residents across Oregon, Washington, and Idaho to take smoke exposure seriously — starting now.

Why 2026 Smoke Season Could Be Especially Severe

Several factors are converging to create conditions that could make 2026 a notably bad year for wildfire smoke in the Pacific Northwest:

  • Record-low snowpack: Snowpack across Washington and large portions of Oregon and Idaho is far below normal, with melt-out occurring roughly one month earlier than average. This translates directly into drier, more flammable fuels earlier in the season.
  • Statewide drought: Washington declared a statewide drought on April 8. Drought conditions are also widespread across eastern Oregon and Idaho, with soil moisture deficits extending into areas not typically affected.
  • Above-normal temperatures: April brought above-normal temperatures across the region, and the Climate Prediction Center forecasts below-normal precipitation through at least June — the window when forests and grasslands typically recover moisture.
  • NIFC outlook: The National Interagency Fire Center's 2026 seasonal outlook identifies the entire Pacific Northwest as having elevated fire potential, with the Willamette Valley flagged for significant risk beginning in August.

Understanding the Air Quality Index

During wildfire smoke events, residents should monitor the Air Quality Index (AQI) at AirNow.gov or the EPA's fire smoke tool at fire.airnow.gov. Key AQI thresholds for wildfire smoke:

  • 0–50 (Good): No restrictions necessary
  • 51–100 (Moderate): Sensitive individuals should consider reducing prolonged outdoor exertion
  • 101–150 (Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups): Children, elderly, and those with heart or lung conditions should limit outdoor activity
  • 151–200 (Unhealthy): Everyone should reduce outdoor exertion; sensitive groups should avoid it entirely
  • 201–300 (Very Unhealthy): Avoid all outdoor exertion; stay indoors with windows closed
  • 301+ (Hazardous): Remain indoors; consider evacuation if smoke is severe and prolonged

How to Protect Yourself

Air quality and health officials recommend the following steps for households in fire-prone areas:

  • Purchase MERV-13 or higher air filters for your HVAC system now, before smoke events occur
  • Consider purchasing a portable HEPA air purifier for sleeping areas
  • Stock N95 or KN95 respirators — standard cloth masks do not filter fine smoke particles (PM2.5)
  • Know how to set your car's air system to recirculate so it does not draw in outside smoke
  • Have a "clean air shelter" identified — a well-sealed building where you can shelter during heavy smoke events
  • Keep medications for respiratory conditions stocked and accessible

Monitoring Resources

The following tools provide real-time and forecast air quality information for the Pacific Northwest:

  • AirNow.gov — Real-time AQI readings from monitoring stations statewide
  • fire.airnow.gov — Interactive smoke map showing fire smoke concentrations with zoom capability
  • Oregon DEQ Air Quality — aqicn.org/map/oregon for Oregon station data
  • Washington DOE Air Monitoring — ecology.wa.gov for Washington station data
  • Smoke Forecast Center — weather.gov/sew for the National Weather Service's smoke forecast discussions

Air quality officials emphasize that smoke from regional wildfires can travel hundreds of miles and affect communities well away from active fire lines. Urban residents in Portland, Seattle, Boise, Bend, and Spokane have all experienced dangerous air quality in recent fire years. Given 2026's early start and unfavorable conditions, experts recommend treating smoke preparedness with the same seriousness as other emergency preparations.