Wildfire smoke from multiple active fires across the Pacific Northwest and neighboring regions is affecting air quality across parts of eastern Oregon and eastern Washington this week, with residents in some communities advised to limit outdoor activity during periods of poor visibility and elevated particulate levels.

Current Air Quality Situation

The Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency is reporting AQI-Moderate levels for the Spokane metro area, with the caveat that air quality can degrade rapidly during wildfire season when smoke shifts with changing wind patterns. Forecasters note that calm, hot conditions in the days ahead may reduce ventilation and allow smoke to accumulate in valleys and low-lying areas.

Eastern Oregon communities near the North Cayuse Fire in Umatilla County and other active fire areas are experiencing reduced visibility and elevated smoke levels as multiple fires generate ongoing smoke columns. The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality and Washington Department of Ecology are tracking smoke plumes across the region.

Fires Contributing to Regional Smoke

Several fires are contributing to the regional smoke burden in the Pacific Northwest:

  • North Cayuse Fire — Umatilla County, Oregon (4,885 acres, 15% contained)
  • Chelan Hills Fire — Douglas County, Washington (9,735 acres, 50% contained)
  • Multiple smaller fires burning across eastern Oregon, Washington, and Idaho
  • Smoke transport from fires in neighboring states including Nevada, Montana, and Alaska

Health Guidance for Smoke Exposure

Wildfire smoke contains fine particulate matter (PM2.5), carbon monoxide, and other toxic compounds that can cause serious health effects, particularly for vulnerable populations. Health authorities recommend the following precautions:

  • Sensitive groups (children, elderly, those with asthma, heart disease, or lung conditions) should avoid outdoor exertion when AQI is in the Moderate to Unhealthy range
  • Everyone should reduce strenuous outdoor activity when AQI reaches Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (USG) or higher
  • Keep windows and doors closed and run HVAC systems on recirculation mode when smoke is heavy
  • Use N95 or P100 respirators if you must be outdoors during heavy smoke events — cloth masks offer minimal protection against PM2.5
  • Create a clean air room in your home using a HEPA air purifier if possible

How to Check Your Local Air Quality

Several free tools allow you to monitor real-time air quality conditions:

  • AirNow.gov — Official EPA air quality index by zip code
  • PurpleAir.com — Crowdsourced real-time sensor network with high geographic resolution
  • OregonAir.org — Oregon DEQ air quality data
  • ecology.wa.gov — Washington Department of Ecology air quality monitoring
  • SpokanecleanAir.org — Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency

Outlook

With multiple large fires still active across the Pacific Northwest and fire season forecast to remain active through August, smoke events are expected to be a recurring concern through the summer. Residents are encouraged to stay informed, have a household air quality plan in place, and be prepared for rapid changes in local smoke conditions as fire behavior and wind patterns evolve.