With the 2026 wildfire season forecast to be one of the most active in recent memory across the Pacific Northwest, public health officials and air quality agencies are urging residents — especially those with lung disease, heart conditions, or other health vulnerabilities — to start preparing now for periods of hazardous smoke that could arrive as early as late June or July.

How Wildfire Smoke Affects Health

Wildfire smoke is a complex mixture of gases and fine particles produced when wood and other organic matter burns. The most harmful component is PM2.5 — fine particulate matter with a diameter less than 2.5 microns. These particles are small enough to penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream, causing or worsening heart and lung problems.

Short-term exposure to heavy smoke can cause eye and throat irritation, coughing, shortness of breath, and worsening of asthma. Longer exposure — or exposure at very high concentrations — can increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, and premature death among vulnerable populations.

Most at Risk

The following groups face the greatest health risks during smoke events and should take extra precautions:

  • Older adults (65 and above)
  • Children and infants
  • Pregnant individuals
  • People with asthma, COPD, or other lung conditions
  • People with heart disease or diabetes
  • Outdoor workers and agricultural laborers

Monitoring Air Quality in Real Time

Washington State Department of Ecology operates an extensive network of air quality monitors throughout the state. Residents can track current air quality conditions on AirNow.gov, fire.airnow.gov (which integrates wildfire smoke forecasting), and PurpleAir for community sensor readings.

Oregon's air quality monitoring is managed by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), which publishes AQI readings at oregonair.deq.state.or.us. Idaho residents can access air quality data through the Idaho DEQ air monitoring network.

The Air Quality Index (AQI) for PM2.5 ranges from 0 to 500. Key thresholds to know:

  • 0–50 (Green — Good): No restrictions needed.
  • 51–100 (Yellow — Moderate): Unusually sensitive people may want to limit prolonged outdoor exertion.
  • 101–150 (Orange — Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups): Sensitive groups should limit outdoor exertion.
  • 151–200 (Red — Unhealthy): Everyone should limit prolonged outdoor exertion.
  • 201–300 (Purple — Very Unhealthy): Everyone should avoid prolonged outdoor exertion. Stay indoors with windows closed.
  • 301+ (Maroon — Hazardous): Everyone should remain indoors. Evacuate if possible.

Steps to Prepare Now

Don't wait until smoke arrives to prepare. Steps you can take today:

  • Purchase N95 or P100 respirators now — they sell out quickly when smoke season arrives.
  • If you have central HVAC, stock up on high-quality MERV-13 air filters.
  • Consider building a DIY air cleaner using a box fan and furnace filter — proven effective at low cost.
  • Identify a clean air shelter in your community (library, community center, mall).
  • Review your medications if you have asthma or COPD — ensure you have a current supply.
  • Sign up for air quality alerts through AirNow's notification system.

The Washington Smoke Information blog (wasmoke.blogspot.com) provides detailed daily updates during smoke events and is an invaluable resource during fire season.