Smoke from multiple active wildfires burning across southeastern Washington and eastern Oregon is producing light to moderate air quality impacts across the Pacific Northwest this week, with conditions expected to fluctuate as wind patterns shift with an approaching cold front.

Current Conditions

Smoke from the Tule Road, Juniper Dunes, Snake River, and Upriver fires is drifting generally southeastward from its source areas, affecting communities in the Yakima Valley, Tri-Cities region, and eastern Oregon. The Oregon DEQ air quality monitoring network updated readings on June 17, showing elevated particulate levels at several eastern Oregon monitoring stations.

AirNow.gov is tracking smoke impacts in real time across the region. Residents in affected areas should check current Air Quality Index (AQI) readings before spending time outdoors, especially during morning hours when smoke tends to settle into valleys.

Health Guidance by AQI Level

  • Good (0–50): Air quality is satisfactory — no restrictions needed.
  • Moderate (51–100): Unusually sensitive people should consider limiting prolonged outdoor exertion.
  • Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (101–150): People with heart disease, lung disease, older adults, and children should reduce prolonged or heavy outdoor exertion.
  • Unhealthy (151–200): Everyone should reduce prolonged or heavy outdoor exertion and avoid extended time outdoors.
  • Very Unhealthy (201–300): Everyone should avoid all outdoor exertion; sensitive groups should remain indoors.

Protective Measures

Oregon public health officials, including commentary from KLCC Oregon Ready coverage published June 17, reiterated that N95 or better respirator masks provide approximately 95 percent filtration of fine smoke particles when properly fitted. Standard surgical or cloth masks offer minimal protection against wildfire smoke.

Residents in smoke-impacted areas are advised to:

  • Keep windows and doors closed when smoke is heavy
  • Run air conditioning on recirculate mode rather than fresh air intake
  • Use HEPA air purifiers indoors if available
  • Limit outdoor physical activity, especially for children, elderly, and those with respiratory conditions
  • Check airnow.gov or your local DEQ smoke map for current conditions

Resources

Oregon residents can track air quality at aqi.oregon.gov and the Oregon DEQ Air Pollution Advisories page. Washington residents should check the Washington State Department of Ecology's air quality portal. The Oregon Smoke Blog provides daily smoke forecasts and temporary monitor readings near active fires.

Conditions will change as the approaching cold front shifts wind patterns later this week. Smoke dispersion typically improves with higher winds, but shifts in wind direction can move smoke into new communities. Stay informed through local air quality tools and sign up for county emergency alerts in your area.