As multiple large fires continue to burn across eastern Washington and Oregon, wildfire smoke is affecting air quality across a broad swath of the Pacific Northwest. Smoke from the Kartar, Tucannon, Roza, Juniper Dunes, and Old Emigrant fires, along with fires in Idaho and Nevada, has created localized to moderate-density smoke plumes drifting generally southeastward from source areas, with periodic westward transport reaching the Cascades foothills and beyond.

Current Air Quality Conditions

As of Friday morning, June 19, air quality conditions vary widely depending on proximity to active fires and prevailing wind direction:

  • Eastern Washington (Yakima Valley, Columbia Basin, Okanogan): Air quality is ranging from Moderate to Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (USG) in areas near active fires. The Yakima area has seen periods of smoke from the Roza Fire and fires to the north.
  • Northeastern Oregon (Pendleton, Umatilla County): Smoke from the Old Emigrant and Cable Creek fires has produced locally elevated particulate levels. Burns are currently restricted across most of eastern Oregon.
  • Western Oregon (Portland, Eugene, Salem): Air quality remains in the “Good” to “Moderate” range, as westerly flow has kept most smoke east of the Cascades.
  • Spokane and Inland Empire: Periodic smoke from regional fires may push AQI into Moderate or USG ranges during afternoon and evening hours.

Health Guidance

Public health officials recommend the following precautions when wildfire smoke is present:

  • Sensitive groups (children, elderly, pregnant women, people with asthma or heart/lung conditions) should reduce outdoor activity when AQI exceeds 100 (Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups)
  • Everyone should avoid strenuous outdoor activity when AQI exceeds 150 (Unhealthy)
  • Keep windows and doors closed; use HVAC systems with fresh air intake closed, or use portable air purifiers with HEPA filters
  • N95 respirator masks provide protection from smoke particles; cloth and surgical masks do not effectively filter wildfire smoke
  • Stay hydrated and watch for symptoms including coughing, chest tightness, shortness of breath, or eye/throat irritation

Monitoring Resources

Residents can monitor current air quality conditions using these tools:

  • AirNow.gov — Official U.S. EPA air quality index maps updated hourly
  • PurpleAir — Community sensor network with near-real-time readings
  • Washington Smoke Blog (wasmoke.blogspot.com) — Expert analysis of smoke transport in Washington
  • Oregon DEQ Air Quality (oregonair.org) — Oregon-specific monitoring network

Fire Restrictions and Burn Bans

Oregon’s Department of Forestry has banned recreational campfires, fire pits, yard debris burning, and agricultural burning across much of eastern Oregon for the duration of fire season. Similar restrictions are in place or anticipated in eastern Washington counties. Residents are urged to check with their county fire authority or state forestry agency before conducting any burning activities.

As fires continue to burn and conditions remain dry and warm, air quality impacts may intensify over the coming days. Residents in eastern Washington and Oregon should bookmark monitoring sites and check conditions before spending extended time outdoors.