Residents of eastern Washington's Tri-Cities region experienced a jarring reminder of wildfire season last week when a combination of wildfire smoke and wind-blown dust pushed local air quality into the "Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups" category — and, briefly, beyond.

What Happened

The Peterson Fire, burning in the Horse Heaven Hills of eastern Klickitat County roughly 40 miles southwest of the Tri-Cities, threw up a large smoke plume on Friday, June 26. South-southwest winds, sustained at 20 mph with gusts near 30 mph, carried that smoke directly into the Kennewick, Richland, and Pasco metro area.

The Washington Smoke Blog noted that the same wind conditions that drove the fire also kicked up significant blowing dust across the Horse Heaven Hills and Columbia Basin. The result was an unusual combination of PM2.5 (smoke particles) and PM10 (dust) that reduced visibility and degraded air quality rapidly throughout the afternoon.

Franklin County Fire District 3 issued a public advisory urging residents to:

  • Keep windows and doors closed
  • Avoid outdoor strenuous activity
  • Run air conditioning on recirculate mode if available
  • Use HEPA air purifiers indoors
  • Check airnow.gov for real-time conditions

Who Is Most at Risk

Wildfire smoke at "Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups" levels poses significant risk to people with asthma, heart disease, chronic lung conditions, the elderly, and children. Even healthy adults can experience throat irritation, coughing, and reduced lung function during prolonged exposures.

Public health experts recommend that sensitive groups stay indoors during smoke events regardless of outdoor temperature. Many Tri-Cities schools and outdoor recreation programs temporarily suspended outside activities.

Conditions Improving

By June 27, wind patterns shifted and the Peterson Fire's smoke column diminished as crews gained containment. Air quality in the Tri-Cities returned to "Good" or "Moderate" levels. However, with the 2026 fire season running well ahead of historical averages nationally, forecasters warn that smoke events in eastern Washington will likely recur frequently through September.

Staying Prepared for Smoke Season

Eastern Washington residents can monitor air quality conditions year-round at:

  • AirNow.gov — official EPA air quality index
  • ecology.wa.gov/smoke — Washington Ecology smoke resources
  • wasmoke.blogspot.com — Washington Smoke Blog (highly detailed, updated by meteorologists)
  • Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency (spokanecleanair.org) — localized monitoring

Consider purchasing HEPA air purifiers ahead of the summer peak. N95 or KN95 respirators provide meaningful protection for short-duration outdoor exposure during smoke events.