Wildfire smoke from active incidents in eastern Washington and eastern Oregon is affecting air quality across the Pacific Northwest, with residents in multiple communities advised to limit outdoor activity and take protective measures during periods of elevated smoke concentrations.

Current Smoke Situation

Active fires including the Garred Road Fire in Grant County, Washington, and the Lytle Fire south of Vale, Oregon, are generating smoke that is impacting downwind communities. According to fire information trackers, smoke from the Tule Fire and other active incidents is affecting air quality through the Columbia River Gorge and parts of eastern Washington. The Garred Road Fire's location in the channeled scablands of Grant County means smoke can travel significant distances under northeast wind patterns.

Earlier this week, thick smoke was observed filling the Spokane Valley as the Upriver Fire burned along Upriver Drive east of the city. While that fire has reached 75 percent containment, residual smoke and new smoke from the Garred Road Fire continue to affect the greater Spokane region.

Central Oregon: Extreme Fire Danger and Smoke Risk

Central Oregon has reached the highest level of fire danger — EXTREME — on federal public lands including the Deschutes National Forest and the Prineville District BLM. The Central Oregon Fire Management Service (COFMS) notes that at extreme danger levels, any new fire starts will likely spread rapidly, and smoke generation from active fires or human ignitions could affect communities including Bend, Redmond, and Prineville on short notice.

The Deschutes National Forest elevated its fire danger to EXTREME before the end of June, which fire officials describe as unusually early and reflective of the season's accelerated drying timeline.

Health Guidance During Smoke Events

When air quality degrades due to wildfire smoke, health agencies recommend the following steps:

  • Check AirNow.gov for real-time Air Quality Index (AQI) readings in your community before heading outdoors.
  • Stay indoors when AQI reaches the Orange (101-150) range or higher, particularly if you have asthma, heart disease, or are elderly or pregnant.
  • Run air conditioners on recirculate mode rather than pulling in outside air during smoke events.
  • Use N95 or P100 respirators if you must work or be outdoors during heavy smoke — cloth masks and surgical masks do not provide adequate protection from fine smoke particles (PM2.5).
  • Close windows and doors and use HEPA air purifiers if available.
  • Limit strenuous outdoor activity during periods of elevated smoke regardless of perceived visibility.

Monitoring Resources

Washington State Department of Ecology tracks air quality using a network of monitors across the state. The Washington Smoke Blog (wasmoke.blogspot.com) provides regular updates on smoke conditions and forecasts for the Northwest. Oregon's smoke blog and Idaho's smoke blog offer similar regional coverage.

  • AirNow.gov: Real-time AQI nationwide
  • Washington Smoke Blog: wasmoke.blogspot.com
  • Central Oregon Fire Information: centraloregonfire.org
  • Washington State Ecology air quality: ecology.wa.gov

Looking Ahead

With multiple active fires burning across eastern Washington and eastern Oregon, and forecast models showing continued hot and dry conditions across the Northwest through the end of June, air quality impacts are likely to persist and expand. Residents throughout the I-5 corridor and Cascade foothills should remain aware of changing smoke conditions and sign up for local emergency alerts through their county emergency management agencies.