Washington State's Department of Ecology has released an air quality review of the 2026 wildfire season, confirming what many residents already experienced: this year's fire season produced some of the worst air quality in years. Most areas of the state recorded at least one day of air quality rated "Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups" (USG) or worse, with some communities experiencing multiple days of hazardous conditions.

A Difficult Season for Air Quality

The combination of record acreage burned, persistent drought, and unfavorable smoke transport patterns made 2026 particularly challenging for air quality across the Pacific Northwest. Eastern Washington communities — especially those near active fire zones in Chelan, Okanogan, Wasco, and neighboring counties — bore the brunt of the smoke impact.

The Little Giant Fire (172,906 acres, Chelan County) and the Grasshopper Fire (93,972 acres, Wasco County, Oregon) were among the largest regional smoke generators. During peak burning periods, both Spokane and communities in the Wenatchee area recorded days when the Air Quality Index climbed to "Unhealthy" or "Very Unhealthy" thresholds, prompting health advisories and activity restrictions.

Current Conditions: Improving with Fall Rains

The Washington Department of Ecology reports that recent wet and cool weather has helped wind down the fire season's most intense smoke impacts. While localized smoke from fires in the Cascades — particularly the Sisi Fire near Stehekin — continues to produce some effect, the broad smoke pall that blanketed much of eastern Washington through the summer has lifted.

Communities near active fires should continue to monitor current AQI readings. AirNow (airnow.gov) provides real-time AQI data by ZIP code and county. The Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency notes that wildfire smoke creates rapidly changing conditions that may not be fully captured by 24-hour rolling averages, so real-time NowCast readings are particularly valuable during fire events.

Health Guidance for Lingering Smoke

  • Check AirNow.gov or local clean air agency websites for current AQI
  • Sensitive groups — children, elderly, those with respiratory or heart conditions — should limit outdoor exertion when AQI exceeds 100
  • Consider running HEPA air purifiers indoors when outdoor air quality is poor
  • Keep windows and doors closed during active smoke events; use recirculated air in vehicles
  • N95 or KN95 masks provide meaningful protection from wildfire smoke particulates

Prescribed Burns May Temporarily Affect Air Quality

As fire agencies across the Pacific Northwest kick off their fall prescribed burn season, residents should be aware that planned burns can temporarily affect local air quality. Prescribed burns planned near the North Cascades wildfire areas — including sites near Ross Lake and Stehekin — may reduce air quality in those corridors. Agencies are required to obtain permits and burn on favorable smoke dispersal days to minimize impacts.

If you see smoke and are unsure whether it is from a prescribed burn or a new wildfire, check with local dispatch (do not call 911 unless you have immediate concerns about an escaped fire) or monitor the Washington DNR and Forest Service social media channels for burn activity notifications.