Air Quality

Weeks of wildfire smoke have degraded air quality across Oregon, Washington, and Idaho, with some communities recording multiple days of Unhealthy or Very Unhealthy AQI readings. Here’s what you should know as fall burns continue.

Wildfire smoke blanketed the Pacific Northwest repeatedly during the 2026 season, with eastern Oregon and Washington seeing the worst air quality impacts. An arriving Pacific front is expected to bring relief — but residents should prepare for future smoke seasons.

Air quality across the Pacific Northwest is improving with the arrival of fall rains, but 2026 ranks among the worst years for wildfire smoke exposure in two decades. Public health officials urge continued vigilance as prescribed burns and residual fire activity may add localized smoke in the coming weeks.

Air quality has improved significantly across most of the PNW from the season's worst peaks, but mop-up smoke from several large fires and the launch of fall prescribed burning will create periodic localized smoke events through winter.

Fall rains have eased PNW smoke conditions, but public health officials are beginning to assess the full toll of a season that saw Portland rank among the world's worst cities for air quality at its August peak.

Air quality has improved significantly across Oregon and Washington as the major fire season winds down, but residents should prepare for episodic smoke from prescribed burns planned through fall and winter.

Wildfire smoke is clearing from Pacific Northwest skies as fall rains arrive and active fire perimeters shrink. After a summer of repeated unhealthy air quality events tied to record-breaking fire seasons in Oregon and Washington, conditions are improving — though sensitive groups should remain vigilant.

Regional smoke has cleared significantly as fall arrives in the Pacific Northwest, but localized impacts near active fire perimeters in Kittitas, Chelan, Okanogan, and Walla Walla counties may persist through October.

Wildfire smoke from active fires in Washington and neighboring states, combined with the onset of prescribed burn season, means Pacific Northwest residents will continue to face periods of degraded air quality this fall. Here is what you need to know to protect your health.

Oregon and Washington communities endured weeks of hazardous wildfire smoke in 2026, with AQI readings exceeding 200 at inland locations. As active fire smoke clears, prescribed burn season brings a new but more manageable air quality consideration.

The 2026 fire season delivered some of the worst air quality events in Pacific Northwest history, with multiple weeks of hazardous smoke conditions affecting millions of residents across Oregon, Washington, and Idaho.

After a summer of toxic smoke events that triggered air quality alerts across Western Washington and blanketed the Columbia Basin for weeks, autumn rainfall is finally clearing the skies — but public health experts say the region must confront its ‘smoke season’ reality.

Washington's statewide burn ban expires September 30. Oregon smoke advisories have eased but AQI monitoring remains important. Health tips for wildfire smoke exposure and what to expect as fall prescribed burns begin across Central Oregon.

Rainfall near the Cascades is clearing wildfire smoke from much of Oregon and Washington, though Southwest Washington around Vancouver remains under an air quality advisory for smoke drifting from Oregon fires.

Air quality advisories for wildfire smoke have affected the Portland metro area and Southwest Washington this week, driven by smoke from Oregon and Washington fires and Canadian wildfire transport. Improving weather — including increased rainfall west of the Cascades — is expected to bring relief.

While rain-driven improvements are bringing cleaner air to Portland, Seattle, and communities west of the Cascades, eastern Washington and Idaho continue to see elevated wildfire smoke levels, with air quality reaching the Unhealthy range in parts of southern Idaho this week.

Health officials urge Pacific Northwest residents to remain vigilant about wildfire smoke exposure even as fire activity eases. PM2.5 from wildfire smoke poses serious respiratory risks, with tribal communities, children, and those with underlying conditions facing the greatest danger. N95 masks, HEPA air purifiers, and AirNow.gov are key protective resources.

Wildfire smoke from eight Washington fires and six Oregon fires continues to affect air quality across the Pacific Northwest. Health officials urge sensitive groups to limit outdoor exposure and use N95 masks when outside.

Smoke from regional wildfires continues to affect Pacific Northwest air quality. Here's how to read AQI levels, protect your health, and stay informed during smoke events this fall.

Wildfire smoke from eastern Washington, the northern Cascades, and British Columbia drove AQI readings to unhealthy levels at stations from Kennewick to Seattle this week, prompting health warnings across the Pacific Northwest.