The Upriver Fire burning near Beacon Hill in Spokane Valley is generating a significant smoke plume that is expected to impact air quality across the Spokane metropolitan area and surrounding communities through at least Wednesday. Residents — particularly those with respiratory conditions — should take precautions as smoke from the blaze mixes with already warm, dry air.

Smoke Visible Across Spokane Region

Eyewitnesses on Tuesday described the fire's smoke plume rising rapidly and spreading within seconds in the strong winds. The fire's location in a densely vegetated hillside adjacent to a major population center means the smoke is mixing directly into the urban air shed rather than drifting to distant downwind communities as is more typical with remote backcountry fires.

Retardant drops from fixed-wing air tankers are also contributing to air quality concerns near the fire perimeter, and residents in adjacent neighborhoods were advised to shelter in place with windows closed when possible rather than remaining outdoors.

Eastern Washington Air Quality Context

Prior to the Upriver Fire outbreak, air quality across the Spokane area had been in the "Good" to "Moderate" range following several weeks with limited large fire activity in the region. However, with fire season now ramping up rapidly and multiple fires expected to burn across eastern Washington and Oregon in coming weeks, public health officials are urging residents to be prepared for smoke events throughout the summer.

The Washington Department of Ecology's air quality monitoring network and the AirNow.gov federal platform are the best sources for real-time air quality data. Both display Air Quality Index (AQI) readings that translate pollutant concentrations into a simple 0–500 scale:

  • 0–50 (Good): No restrictions needed
  • 51–100 (Moderate): Unusually sensitive people should 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 reduce prolonged outdoor exertion; sensitive groups should avoid it
  • 201+ (Very Unhealthy/Hazardous): Everyone should avoid all outdoor exertion

Smoke Season Is Just Beginning

Oregon's western valleys, including the Portland metro area, had been enjoying relatively clean air in recent weeks, with Portland AQI readings in the 19 to 31 range as of mid-June. Seattle has similarly seen AQI values in the low teens — well within the "Good" category.

However, fire behavior experts warn that conditions are set to worsen throughout the summer. A developing high-pressure pattern over the Pacific Northwest, combined with record-low snowpack and ongoing drought, means smoke events in the Willamette Valley, Puget Sound lowlands, and Columbia Gorge could begin in earnest earlier than usual this year.

Protective Steps for Smoke Events

Public health officials recommend that residents across the Pacific Northwest prepare now for smoke exposure this summer:

  • Purchase N95 or KN95 respirator masks for use during Unhealthy air quality days
  • Identify a clean-air refuge — a location with good filtration or air conditioning where you can spend time during the worst smoke days
  • Create a home smoke kit with extra filters for HVAC systems and portable air purifiers
  • Sign up for air quality alerts at AirNow.gov or your local air agency
  • Download the AirNow or PurpleAir app for real-time monitoring