Wildfire smoke from active fires in Oregon and California is affecting air quality across the Pacific Northwest, with parts of southern Oregon reaching "Unhealthy" levels and high-altitude smoke drifting as far north as the Puget Sound region.

Southern Oregon: Unhealthy Air Quality

Communities near the East Evans Creek Fire north of Medford are experiencing the worst air quality in the region. AirNow.gov data shows that parts of southern Oregon have reached the "Unhealthy" category on the Air Quality Index, a level at which all members of the general public may begin to experience health effects. Sensitive groups — including children, the elderly, and those with asthma, COPD, or heart disease — are at elevated risk even at lower exposure levels.

The Jackson County area around Shady Cove and Prospect is most heavily impacted, as thick smoke from the East Evans Creek fire and its associated spot fires hangs over valley bottoms and drainages where overnight temperature inversions trap smoke close to the ground.

Seattle and Puget Sound: High-Level Smoke

High-level smoke from fires burning in Oregon and California is rolling through the greater Seattle area, creating hazy skies and reducing visibility. However, FOX 13 Chief Meteorologist Brian MacMillan notes this is high-altitude smoke rather than low-level ground smoke, meaning the direct air quality impact on Seattle residents is currently much less severe than what southern Oregon communities are experiencing. That said, the situation bears monitoring as the week progresses.

Oregon Cascade Corridor

KOIN-TV meteorologists reported that an onshore flow pattern is helping push the worst smoke concentrations eastward, keeping the Willamette Valley and Portland metro area relatively less affected. However, the Cascade Mountain corridor and central Oregon communities remain under hazy skies, with moderate air quality impacts expected to persist as long as fires remain active and winds continue from the southwest.

Health Guidance for Smoke-Affected Communities

  • Check AirNow.gov or download the AirNow app daily for your local AQI before going outdoors
  • Stay indoors when AQI exceeds 150 (Unhealthy), especially for sensitive groups
  • Keep windows closed and run air conditioning on recirculation mode
  • N95 or KN95 masks provide meaningful protection from fine particulate matter (PM2.5) when outdoors is unavoidable — cloth masks and surgical masks do not filter PM2.5 effectively
  • Avoid vigorous outdoor exercise when AQI is above 100
  • Create a clean air room in your home using a HEPA air purifier or DIY Corsi-Rosenthal box fan filter

Wildfire Smoke Emergency Declaration Act

The ongoing smoke crisis is adding urgency to federal legislation reintroduced in June by Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR): the Wildfire Smoke Emergency Declaration Act. The bill would allow governors to declare smoke emergencies independent of wildfire declarations, unlocking additional federal resources and public health support for communities suffering smoke-related health impacts. As fire seasons grow longer and smoke events more frequent, advocates say the existing emergency declaration framework does not adequately address smoke as a distinct public health hazard.