Smoke from active wildfires burning across Eastern Washington and Oregon is degrading air quality across a broad swath of the Pacific Northwest, prompting health advisories from state and local agencies. Residents in affected areas — particularly those near the Kartar, Roza, Tucannon, Old Emigrant, and Upriver fires — are urged to take precautions to protect their health, especially vulnerable populations including children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions.

Current Smoke Conditions

Smoke from the Kartar Fire in Okanogan County is affecting communities along the Columbia River corridor and downwind communities in north-central Washington. The Roza Fire in the Yakima River Canyon has pushed smoke into the Yakima and lower Kittitas valleys. The Upriver Fire near Spokane impacted air quality in the greater Spokane metro area during its most active burning period.

In Oregon, smoke from the Old Emigrant Fire and other Central and Eastern Oregon ignitions is impacting localized areas in Umatilla, Morrow, and Grant counties. Central Oregon Fire Information (centraloregonfire.org) serves as a centralized resource for wildfire smoke, air quality, and community health information for Bend and surrounding communities.

Understanding Air Quality Index (AQI) Levels

The Air Quality Index measures pollution concentrations and assigns color-coded health guidance:

  • Green (0–50, Good): No restrictions; outdoor activities are safe for all.
  • Yellow (51–100, Moderate): Unusually sensitive people should consider limiting prolonged outdoor exertion. Oregon Health Authority advises caution for children with health conditions during activities lasting more than four hours.
  • Orange (101–150, Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups): Children, elderly, and people with heart or lung disease should limit prolonged outdoor exertion.
  • Red (151–200, Unhealthy): Everyone should limit prolonged outdoor exertion; sensitive groups should avoid it entirely.
  • Purple (201–300, Very Unhealthy): Everyone should avoid all outdoor exertion; sensitive groups should remain indoors.
  • Maroon (301+, Hazardous): All outdoor physical activity should be avoided.

How to Protect Yourself from Wildfire Smoke

  • Check air quality before going outside at AirNow.gov, the Washington Department of Ecology’s air quality page (ecology.wa.gov), or the Oregon DEQ Air Quality app
  • Keep windows and doors closed when air quality is poor; run air conditioning on recirculate mode if available
  • Use portable air cleaners with HEPA filters indoors to reduce particle concentrations
  • N95 or KN95 respirators (properly fitted) provide meaningful protection from smoke particles; standard cloth or surgical masks do not
  • Avoid strenuous outdoor activity during periods of heavy smoke
  • Keep medications on hand if you have asthma, COPD, or other respiratory conditions; have an action plan ready

Resources for Real-Time Air Quality Information

  • AirNow.gov — National EPA air quality index map, updated hourly
  • Washington Ecology Department — ecology.wa.gov/air-climate/air-quality/smoke-fire
  • Oregon DEQ Air Quality — oregon.gov/deq/aq
  • PurpleAir.com — Real-time community sensor network, useful for hyper-local readings
  • Central Oregon Fire Information — centraloregonfire.org

Smoke conditions can change rapidly as wind direction and fire behavior shift. Even if your area currently has good air quality, a wind shift can bring hazardous smoke concentrations within hours. Stay informed and check conditions frequently during periods of active fire nearby.