Wildfire Smoke Degrades Air Quality Across Pacific Northwest — Health Advisory in Effect

Wildfire smoke from active fire complexes burning across eastern Oregon, Idaho, and the northern Great Basin is affecting air quality in the Pacific Northwest as of mid-July 2026. State agencies in Washington and Oregon have issued health advisories, urging residents — particularly those in sensitive populations — to limit outdoor exposure during periods of elevated smoke.

Washington State Health Advisory

The Washington State Patrol issued a public air quality awareness statement on July 13, 2026, warning that toxic gases and fine particles in wildfire smoke can exacerbate asthma, cause respiratory infections, and lead to other serious health problems. The advisory highlighted risks for people with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions, who are among the most vulnerable to smoke exposure.

The Washington State Department of Ecology maintains a real-time air quality monitoring network with an interactive map available at ecology.wa.gov. Residents can also access the Washington Smoke Information Blog for smoke forecasts and current conditions across the state.

Air Quality Index — What to Expect

Air quality in smoke-affected areas is measured using the EPA's Air Quality Index (AQI). Here is what current and near-term conditions may look like in PNW communities downwind of active fires:

Green (0–50, Good): No health impacts expected — unlikely in heavily smoke-affected areas
Yellow (51–100, Moderate): Unusually sensitive people should limit prolonged outdoor exertion
Orange (101–150, Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups): Children, elderly, and people with lung or heart conditions should limit outdoor activity
Red (151–200, Unhealthy): Everyone should limit prolonged outdoor exertion; sensitive groups should avoid it entirely
Purple (201–300, Very Unhealthy): Everyone should avoid outdoor activity; move indoors

Fire weather and smoke transport models suggest that communities in eastern Washington, the Columbia River Gorge corridor, and parts of the Willamette Valley may see AQI levels fluctuating between Moderate and Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups through the week, depending on wind shifts and fire behavior.

Protecting Yourself from Smoke

Health officials recommend the following protective measures when smoke is present:

Stay indoors with windows and doors closed when AQI is elevated; use air conditioning on recirculate mode if available
Use a HEPA air purifier indoors to reduce fine particle levelsWear an N95 or KN95 respirator if you must be outdoors — cloth masks and surgical masks do not effectively filter fine smoke particles
Avoid strenuous outdoor activity during peak smoke hours (typically midday through early evening)
Check airnow.gov or your state's air quality monitoring website for real-time AQI readings at your location
Keep children and pets indoors during smoky periods
Seek medical attention if you experience chest pain, difficulty breathing, or severe shortness of breath

Vulnerable Populations

People at greatest risk from wildfire smoke include:

Children under 18
Adults over 65
Pregnant women
People with asthma, COPD, or other lung diseases
People with heart disease or diabetes
Outdoor workers and farmworkers

Resources

For current air quality information across the Pacific Northwest:

AirNow: airnow.gov
Washington Smoke Information Blog: wasmoke.blogspot.com
Oregon Department of Environmental Quality air quality: oregonmetro.gov/airquality
Idaho DEQ air quality: deq.idaho.gov