As the 2026 wildfire season heats up ahead of schedule, public health officials and air quality agencies across Oregon and Washington are urging residents — especially those with respiratory conditions — to prepare now for the smoke events that are likely to affect the region multiple times this summer and fall.

Why Smoke Is a Health Emergency

Wildfire smoke is a complex mixture of gases and fine particles from burning trees, plants, buildings, and other materials. The most dangerous component is fine particulate matter — particles 2.5 microns and smaller (PM2.5) — which penetrates deep into the lungs and can enter the bloodstream. Exposure to elevated PM2.5 levels is associated with worsened asthma, increased risk of heart attack and stroke, and premature death in sensitive populations.

Children, the elderly, pregnant women, and people with pre-existing heart or lung conditions are particularly vulnerable. But research increasingly shows that even healthy adults who spend extended time outdoors during heavy smoke events suffer measurable lung function impacts.

Smoke Season in the Pacific Northwest

Oregon and Washington historically experience their worst smoke events in July, August, and September, when large wildfires burning east of the Cascades or in neighboring states push smoke westward into densely populated valleys. In bad fire years, the Willamette Valley, Puget Sound lowlands, and Columbia River Gorge corridor can see days or weeks of unhealthy or hazardous air quality index (AQI) readings.

The BlueSky Canada smoke forecast and AirNow systems provide real-time and forecast data on PM2.5 concentrations for communities throughout the Pacific Northwest. Both are accessible online and provide the most reliable guidance for day-to-day decisions about outdoor activity.

Protecting Yourself During Smoke Events

When AQI reaches Unhealthy levels (above 150) or worse, officials recommend the following protective actions:

  • Stay indoors with windows and doors closed. Use air conditioning if available, set to recirculate indoor air rather than drawing in outdoor air.
  • Use air purifiers with HEPA filters to reduce indoor PM2.5. Central systems should use MERV-13 or higher filters.
  • Avoid swamp coolers and fans that pull outdoor air inside during smoke events.
  • Wear an N95 or P100 respirator if you must go outside — surgical masks and cloth masks do not filter fine particles effectively.
  • Limit vigorous physical activity outdoors during elevated smoke. Even moderate exertion significantly increases the volume of particles inhaled.
  • Check on vulnerable neighbors — elderly people, those with limited mobility, and people without air conditioning are at elevated risk.

Clean Air Spaces

Many Oregon and Washington counties operate designated clean air spaces — usually community centers, libraries, or other large public buildings with enhanced air filtration — during major smoke events. Check with your local county health department or emergency management office for locations near you, and know where the nearest clean air space is before smoke arrives.

Real-Time Resources

  • AirNow: airnow.gov — real-time AQI by zip code
  • Oregon DEQ smoke blog: deq.oregon.gov — state-specific updates and health guidance
  • Washington DOE air quality: ecology.wa.gov — air quality forecasts and advisories
  • FireSmoke.ca: firesmoke.ca — BlueSky 48-hour smoke forecast maps

Fire and health officials encourage residents to download these resources now and familiarize themselves with smoke forecasting tools before conditions deteriorate. Preparation before a smoke event is far more effective than scrambling for supplies and information once the sky turns orange.