As three major wildfires burn simultaneously across southeastern Washington, smoke is blanketing communities in the Tri-Cities area and beyond, reducing air quality and prompting health advisories for sensitive populations. The Tule, Juniper Dunes, and Twin Sisters fires are collectively burning in grass and brush fuels, producing dense smoke plumes that are being carried by prevailing winds across populated areas.

Current Smoke Conditions

IQAir and other air quality monitoring services are tracking elevated particulate matter (PM2.5) readings across communities in Yakima, Benton, Franklin, and Walla Walla counties as of June 15–16, 2026. Smoke from grass fires can carry fine particles that penetrate deep into the lungs and pose risks even at moderate exposure levels. Wind shifts associated with the active Red Flag Warning may push smoke in unpredictable directions through Tuesday, affecting areas that may not currently be impacted.

Monitoring networks including PurpleAir sensors distributed throughout the region are providing real-time air quality readings. Residents can check current AQI levels at AirNow.gov (airnow.gov) or the EPA's AirNow app for their specific location.

Who Is Most at Risk

Wildfire smoke contains a mixture of gases and fine particles that can be harmful to health, especially for:

  • Children and the elderly
  • Pregnant women
  • People with asthma, COPD, or other respiratory conditions
  • People with heart disease
  • Outdoor workers and firefighters with extended smoke exposure

When AQI reaches the "Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups" range (101–150) or higher, health officials recommend that these populations limit time spent outdoors, especially strenuous activity that increases breathing rate.

Central Oregon Smoke Tracking Tool

As wildfire season gets underway, Visit Central Oregon has promoted an interactive online smoke map that combines real-time data from PurpleAir sensors, smoke forecast models, Oregon Department of Transportation traffic camera feeds, and Watch Duty wildfire incident information. The tool allows residents and visitors to make informed decisions about outdoor activities and travel routes before venturing out.

Similar integrated tools are available from the Washington Department of Ecology's AirWatch monitoring network, which provides county-level air quality data and health guidance. The EPA's Fire and Smoke Map (fire.airnow.gov) is another recommended resource for tracking smoke impacts in near real time.

Protective Actions During Smoky Conditions

  • Stay indoors with windows and doors closed when smoke is heavy.
  • Run an air purifier with a HEPA filter if available; avoid air conditioners that draw in outside air.
  • Wear an N95 or P100 respirator if you must be outdoors during poor air quality episodes — cloth masks do not filter fine particles effectively.
  • Avoid strenuous outdoor exercise when AQI is elevated.
  • Keep indoor air clean by not burning candles, wood, or incense, and by avoiding vacuuming (which can stir settled particles).
  • Check AirNow.gov or your county health department for current conditions before heading outside.

Smoke conditions may continue to change rapidly as wind direction shifts with the Red Flag Warning pattern. Residents across the eastern Washington and northeast Oregon region should monitor air quality conditions closely through Tuesday.