Every summer, millions of Pacific Northwest residents face weeks or months of unhealthy air quality from wildfire smoke — a reality that is expected to continue in 2026 given forecasts for above-normal fire activity. Understanding how to monitor smoke conditions and protect your health is increasingly important as fire seasons grow longer and more intense.

2025 Recap and 2026 Outlook

Oregon's 2025 fire season was below average for in-state fire activity, but the region still experienced multiple smoke intrusion events driven by fires in Idaho and Washington. Long-range smoke from those states contributed to several mid-July smoke events in northeastern and north-central Oregon, according to a March 2026 analysis from the Statesman Journal.

For 2026, forecasters expect above-normal fire potential east of the Cascades throughout June, with risk expanding into Idaho in July. That means neighboring communities west of the Cascades — including the Portland metro area, the Willamette Valley, and Puget Sound — should be prepared for periodic smoke events even if local fires remain in check.

Key Air Quality Monitoring Tools

Several free resources are available for monitoring wildfire smoke in the Pacific Northwest:

  • fire.airnow.gov — The official air quality forecast for Oregon and Idaho, operated by EPA's AirNow program. Shows current Air Quality Index (AQI) values and forecasts by zip code.
  • weather.gov/boi/smoke — The National Weather Service Boise office's experimental smoke forecast model, useful for seeing where smoke plumes are expected to travel.
  • Oregon DEQ Air Quality — deq.oregon.gov tracks conditions statewide with real-time monitors.
  • Idaho DEQ Smoke Blog — deq.idaho.gov publishes daily smoke reports during fire season.
  • PurpleAir — Community-run sensor network providing hyperlocal real-time air quality data, useful for smaller communities not covered by official monitors.

Understanding AQI Levels

The Air Quality Index runs from 0 to 500. During wildfire smoke events, the most relevant categories for health decisions are:

  • 0-50 (Good) — No health concerns.
  • 51-100 (Moderate) — Unusually sensitive individuals may want to limit prolonged outdoor exertion.
  • 101-150 (Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups) — People with heart or lung disease, older adults, and children should reduce prolonged outdoor exertion.
  • 151-200 (Unhealthy) — Everyone should limit outdoor activity. N95 or KN95 masks recommended if going outside.
  • 201-300 (Very Unhealthy) — Avoid all outdoor exertion. Keep windows and doors closed.
  • 301+ (Hazardous) — Avoid all outdoor activity. Remain indoors with air filtration running.

Protect Your Home and Health

Prepare now before smoke arrives:

  • Stock up on N95 or KN95 respirator masks — standard surgical masks do not filter fine smoke particles effectively.
  • Install MERV-13 or better filters in your HVAC system, or build a DIY box fan air filter using a 20x20 furnace filter (rated MERV 13) taped to a box fan.
  • Identify a clean air shelter in your community — many counties activate cooling/clean air centers during prolonged smoke events.
  • Ensure medications for respiratory or cardiac conditions are stocked in advance.

Early preparation is key — N95 masks and HEPA filters frequently sell out once a major smoke event begins.