Residents across Eastern Washington and Central Oregon are breathing smoke-tinged air this weekend as multiple wildfires pump particulate matter into the atmosphere. The Chelan Hills Fire in Douglas County and the Antelope Creek Fire near Antelope, Oregon are the primary regional smoke contributors, but long-range transport from major fires in Colorado, Utah, and Alaska is also adding to background haze across the Pacific Northwest.

Current Conditions

Air quality across the Columbia Basin, Chelan and Douglas counties, and the Okanogan Valley has deteriorated as smoke from the Chelan Hills Fire billows from the active fire area. Residents in and near Orondo, Chelan, and surrounding communities should expect reduced visibility and elevated particulate levels throughout the day. In Central Oregon, the Antelope Creek Fire near Wasco County is generating smoke that may drift south and east across the high desert under current wind patterns.

Nationally, the scale of fire activity — 40 large fires burning nearly 500,000 acres — means wildfire smoke is present across broad areas of the Western United States. Smoke plumes from major fires in Colorado and Utah have been observed at high altitudes reaching into the Pacific Northwest on prevailing westerly winds.

Health Impacts: Who Is Most at Risk

Wildfire smoke contains fine particulate matter (PM2.5) along with carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and dozens of other compounds that are harmful to human health. The groups most vulnerable to smoke-related health impacts include:

  • Children and infants
  • Elderly individuals (65+)
  • People with asthma, COPD, or other respiratory conditions
  • People with heart disease or diabetes
  • Pregnant women
  • Anyone exercising heavily outdoors

Protective Actions

Public health officials recommend the following steps when wildfire smoke is present:

  • Stay indoors with windows and doors closed when air quality is Unhealthy or worse
  • Run air conditioning in recirculation mode rather than pulling in outside air
  • Use a portable air purifier with a HEPA filter in your living space
  • Wear an N95 or KN95 respirator if you must be outdoors for extended periods
  • Avoid strenuous outdoor exercise on smoky days
  • Check on neighbors who may be elderly, have health conditions, or lack air conditioning

How to Monitor Air Quality

Several free resources provide real-time air quality data and fire smoke forecasts for the Pacific Northwest:

  • AirNow.gov — The federal air quality monitoring network; check your ZIP code for current AQI
  • Fire.AirNow.gov — Specialized tool showing smoke forecasts and fire-related air quality data
  • PurpleAir.com — Community-based sensor network with hyperlocal readings
  • Washington DOE Air Monitoring Network — ecology.wa.gov for Washington-specific data
  • Oregon DEQ Air Quality — oregon.gov/deq for Oregon monitoring stations

Air quality conditions can change rapidly during active fire events, especially when winds shift. Residents near active fires are encouraged to check air quality monitoring resources frequently and be prepared to take protective action quickly.