As multiple wildfires burn across the Pacific Northwest, smoke is becoming an increasing concern for communities in eastern Washington and central Oregon. Residents near the Chelan Hills Fire in Douglas County and the North Cayuse Fire in Umatilla County are experiencing degraded air quality, and smoke transport forecasts suggest conditions could spread to additional communities in the coming days.

Current Air Quality Conditions

Communities nearest active fire perimeters — particularly in the Orondo/Lake Chelan corridor in Washington and the Pendleton area of Oregon — are experiencing elevated fine particulate matter (PM2.5) levels due to direct smoke exposure. The Oregon DEQ and Washington Department of Ecology continue to monitor air quality stations across both states.

Central Oregon's air quality monitoring network, coordinated through centraloregonfire.org, is also tracking smoke from the Antelope Creek Fire near Antelope and other regional fire activity. Residents are encouraged to check fire.airnow.gov for real-time, localized air quality index (AQI) data.

Health Guidance for Smoke Exposure

Wildfire smoke contains fine particles and toxic gases that can pose serious health risks, particularly for:

  • Children and infants
  • Elderly individuals
  • People with asthma, COPD, heart disease, or other respiratory conditions
  • Pregnant women

When AQI reaches "Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups" (101–150) or higher, health officials recommend:

  • Staying indoors with windows and doors closed
  • Using air purifiers with HEPA filters if available
  • Avoiding outdoor exercise and strenuous activity
  • Wearing a properly fitted N95 respirator if you must go outside
  • Not relying on paper or cloth masks — they do not effectively filter fine smoke particles

Smoke Forecast for the Coming Days

The National Weather Service and NOAA's Hazard Mapping System indicate that smoke transport in the Pacific Northwest is highly dependent on wind direction and fire behavior. With additional thunderstorm activity forecast for northeastern Oregon and central Washington, new fire starts and increased smoke production remain likely through mid-week.

Monitoring Resources

  • fire.airnow.gov — Real-time wildfire smoke and AQI map
  • centraloregonfire.org — Central Oregon fire and smoke resource hub
  • Oregon DEQ: oregon.gov/deq/aq
  • Washington Ecology: ecology.wa.gov/air-quality
  • NWS smoke forecasts: weather.gov