Wildfire smoke from the dozens of fires burning across Oregon, Washington, and Idaho continues to degrade air quality across the Pacific Northwest, with health officials issuing advisories and warnings affecting millions of residents. The smoke situation reached a historic low point on August 5 when air quality monitors near Leavenworth, Washington recorded an index value exceeding 849 — more than seven times the traditional maximum index value of 500 — prompting the shutdown of some transit services under Washington Department of Labor and Industries safety rules.

Oregon: 12-County Air Quality Advisory

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) issued an air quality advisory beginning August 14, citing smoke from multiple wildfires burning in both Oregon and Washington. The advisory covers the following counties:

  • Crook
  • Harney
  • Hood River
  • Jefferson
  • Malheur
  • Union
  • Wallowa
  • Southern Wasco
  • And four additional central and eastern Oregon counties

DEQ expects the advisory to remain in effect through at least Friday, August 21. Central Oregon communities including Prineville and Madras, as well as parts of the Columbia River Gorge, are experiencing intermittent smoke impacts. Oregon's air quality information and advisories are available at OregonSmoke.org.

Washington: Statewide Public Health Emergency

On August 7, Governor Bob Ferguson declared a statewide public health emergency due to wildfire smoke — an extraordinary step highlighting the severity of smoke impacts on Washington residents. The declaration unlocks additional state health resources and allows for more flexible coordination between agencies in responding to smoke-related health impacts.

Most smoke in western Washington is currently riding in the upper atmosphere, resulting in hazy skies, vivid red sunrises, and reduced visibility rather than ground-level health impacts west of the Cascades. However, eastern Washington communities near active fires are experiencing direct smoke exposure, and the Washington Department of Ecology is monitoring conditions closely.

Protecting Yourself from Wildfire Smoke

Health officials recommend the following precautions during smoky conditions:

  • Check AirNow.gov or your local air quality monitor before outdoor activity.
  • Stay indoors when AQI exceeds 100 (Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups) if you have asthma, heart disease, or other respiratory or cardiovascular conditions.
  • Use air filtration. HEPA air purifiers significantly reduce indoor particulate levels. Keep windows and doors closed.
  • Wear an N95 or KN95 respirator if you must be outdoors during periods of heavy smoke. Cloth masks do not filter fine smoke particles.
  • Avoid strenuous outdoor activity on days with elevated AQI, even if you feel fine. Fine particles cause harm even without obvious symptoms.
  • Check on vulnerable neighbors. Elderly individuals, young children, and those with chronic illness are at greatest risk.

Smoke Forecast for the Coming Days

A weak upper-level disturbance moving through the region is expected to produce thunderstorm activity over the northern Rockies and parts of Washington this week. While some of these storms may be wet and help suppress existing fires, dry lightning strikes remain a concern for new ignitions. Any change in wind direction could shift smoke concentrations significantly, affecting communities that have had cleaner air in recent days.

Residents throughout the Pacific Northwest are encouraged to monitor the Northwest Fire Science Consortium and OregonSmoke.org for the latest smoke forecasts and health guidance.