Wildfire smoke from Washington's three largest active fires continues to degrade air quality across central and eastern portions of the state, while Oregon communities face ongoing smoke advisories tied to 21 large active fires. Air quality monitors recorded Moderate conditions across much of Grant and Adams counties in Washington as of August 19, with forecasts calling for Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups conditions to arrive by Thursday in several communities.

Washington Air Quality Conditions

The smoke blanket affecting central Washington is being generated primarily by the Sinlahekin Fire (154,162 acres, 44% contained), the Kaiser Canyon Fire (138,296 acres, 84% contained), and the Little Giant Fire (135,985 acres, 10% contained). Together, the three fires have burned more than 428,000 acres and continue to generate substantial smoke that is transported by southwest winds into the Columbia Basin.

Current air quality index (AQI) readings in Grant County as of August 19 include:

  • Moses Lake: AQI 78 (Moderate)
  • Ephrata: AQI 91 (Moderate)
  • Coulee City: AQI 91 (Moderate)
  • Soap Lake: AQI 91 (Moderate)
  • Quincy: AQI 94 (Moderate)

In Adams County, Othello recorded an AQI of 63 and Ritzville registered 71, both in the Moderate range. AirNow projects that conditions will deteriorate Thursday to Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups in Moses Lake, Coulee City, Soap Lake, and Warden.

Oregon Smoke Advisories

Oregon's Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has issued air quality advisories covering multiple counties, including eastern Clackamas, Crook, Hood River, Jefferson, southern Wasco, and Wheeler counties. The advisories were triggered by smoke from the Rowe Creek Complex, Grasshopper Fire, and other fires burning across north-central and eastern Oregon.

Oregon's smoke information portal, OregonSmoke.org, reports ongoing smoke impacts across a broad swath of the state. The DEQ advises that the smoke advisory will remain in effect through at least the end of the week as the underlying fire activity remains strong and weather patterns are unfavorable for smoke dispersal.

Who Is Most at Risk?

Public health officials across both states are urging residents in affected areas to take precautions, particularly:

  • People with heart or lung disease, including asthma and COPD
  • Older adults and children
  • Pregnant women
  • People who work or exercise outdoors

Recommendations include limiting time outdoors during periods of elevated smoke, keeping windows and doors closed, using air purifiers with HEPA filters indoors, and wearing an N95 or KN95 respirator if outdoor activity is necessary.

What to Expect This Week

Meteorologists predict that the combination of active fire behavior, warming temperatures reaching the low 90s in parts of Grant County, and southwest wind patterns will continue transporting smoke into central Washington through at least the end of the week. A potential wind shift event later in the week could redirect smoke into the Columbia Basin and Spokane area.

Residents are encouraged to monitor conditions in real time at AirNow.gov, the Washington Smoke Blog (wasmoke.blogspot.com), and OregonSmoke.org for the most current information. Sign up for local air quality alerts through your county health department.