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Oregon DEQ Issues Air Quality Advisory Due to Wildfire Smoke

Oregon DEQ Issues Air Quality Advisory Due to Wildfire Smoke

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has issued an air quality advisory for the Portland metro area and several other counties due to smoke from multiple wildfires in Oregon and Washington. The advisory affects areas including Baker, eastern Clackamas, Crook, Deschutes, Harney, Jefferson, and others. The DEQ advises residents to stay indoors, use air purifiers, and avoid strenuous outdoor activities. The advisory will remain in effect until further notice, with DEQ and partner agencies continuing to monitor the situation. The smoke poses health risks, particularly for vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing health conditions.
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Northwest Wildfire Smoke to Impact Air Quality in Seattle and Portland

Northwest Wildfire Smoke to Impact Air Quality in Seattle and Portland

Smoke from numerous wildfires in the Northwest is expected to affect air quality in Seattle, Portland, and other cities in the region. The fires, primarily burning in eastern Oregon and Washington, have already destroyed hundreds of homes and businesses. Changing wind patterns are expected to carry smoke into western parts of these states, including major urban areas along the Interstate 5 corridor. The smoke is anticipated to linger for several days, potentially exacerbating health issues for residents. The situation is compounded by record heat, with temperatures expected to reach 90 degrees in Seattle and 100 in Portland.
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Wildfires in Washington and Oregon Blanket Region with Smoke

Wildfires in Washington and Oregon Blanket Region with Smoke

The Pacific Northwest is grappling with a severe wildfire season, with nearly half of the nation's active large fires concentrated in Washington and Oregon. These fires have scorched over 5.1 million acres nationwide, significantly above the 10-year average. Smoke from the fires has pushed air quality into the 'Unhealthy' range across more than 30 cities in the region, including Spokane and Portland. Satellite imagery shows the Old Trails Fire in Spokane County, which has destroyed over 700 buildings and left entire neighborhoods in ruins. Firefighters are working tirelessly to contain the blazes, but the situation remains critical.
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Portland Braces for Heatwave and Wildfire Smoke Amid Weather Alerts

Portland Braces for Heatwave and Wildfire Smoke Amid Weather Alerts

Portland is under a Storm Tracker 2 Weather Alert as a heatwave is expected to hit the city from Tuesday to Thursday, with temperatures potentially reaching the low 100s. A Heat Advisory has been issued, and wildfire smoke is anticipated to move into the area, affecting air quality. The advisory covers the Willamette Valley, southwest Washington lowlands, and parts of the Oregon Coast Range. The Red Flag Warning in Central and Eastern Oregon has expired, but fire danger remains elevated. Residents are advised to stay hydrated and avoid outdoor activities during peak heat.
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Wildfire smoke and heat wave prompt multiple weather alerts in Oregon and Washington

Wildfire smoke and heat wave prompt multiple weather alerts in Oregon and Washington

A Storm Tracker 2 Weather Alert has been issued for a heat wave starting Tuesday in Oregon and Washington, accompanied by wildfire smoke and fire weather concerns. A Heat Advisory will take effect at noon Tuesday for the Willamette Valley, southwest Washington lowlands, and lower Columbia River area, extending toward Longview and Astoria. Temperatures are expected to climb into the low to mid-90s on Tuesday, potentially reaching triple digits on Wednesday. Wildfire smoke is forecasted to impact air quality in the Portland metro area, with an Air Quality Alert already in effect for portions of central and eastern Oregon. Additionally, the southern Willamette Valley is under a Red Flag Warning due to gusty winds and low humidity, while a Fire Weather Watch is set for Tuesday in the Columbia River Gorge and Columbia Basin. (Source: KATU, Source time: 2026-08-03T14:00:00+00:00)
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Wildfires in Washington and Oregon Devastate Communities and Impact Air Quality

Wildfires in Washington and Oregon Devastate Communities and Impact Air Quality

The Pacific Northwest is experiencing a severe wildfire season, with significant fires raging in Washington and Oregon. According to the National Interagency Fire Center, over 100 large fires remain uncontained nationwide, with nearly half located in these two states. The fires have already scorched more than 5.1 million acres across the U.S., surpassing the 10-year average for this time of year. The wildfires have forced residents to evacuate and have led to the closure of major roadways. The smoke from these fires has significantly deteriorated air quality, with more than 30 cities in Washington reporting unhealthy air quality levels. Firefighters are working tirelessly to contain the blazes, but high winds and dry conditions continue to pose challenges.
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Portland Faces Heat Wave and Air Quality Concerns Amid Wildfire Smoke

Portland Faces Heat Wave and Air Quality Concerns Amid Wildfire Smoke

Portland is bracing for a heat wave starting Tuesday, with temperatures expected to reach the low 100s. The National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory for the Willamette Valley and surrounding areas, effective from noon Tuesday. In addition to the heat, wildfire smoke from east of the Cascades is moving into the Portland metro area, prompting an Air Quality Alert. The combination of high temperatures and smoke raises concerns about air quality and fire weather conditions. A Red Flag Warning is in effect for parts of central and eastern Oregon, with gusty winds and low humidity increasing the risk of fire spread.
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Eastern Washington fires have burned 600 structures and forced the evacuation of 60,000 people

Eastern Washington fires have burned 600 structures and forced the evacuation of 60,000 people

Authorities say wildfires in eastern Washington state forced the evacuation of 60,000 people in the Spokane area, including patients at its U.S. Veterans Affairs hospital, while destroying at least 600 homes, businesses and other structures
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Fires near Spokane, Washington, have burned 600 structures and forced 60,000 evacuations

Fires near Spokane, Washington, have burned 600 structures and forced 60,000 evacuations

Authorities say wildfires in eastern Washington state forced the evacuation of 60,000 people in the Spokane area, including patients at its U.S. Veterans Affairs hospital, while destroying at least 600 homes, businesses and other structures
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Portland Faces Heatwave, Wildfire Smoke, and Fire Weather Concerns

Portland Faces Heatwave, Wildfire Smoke, and Fire Weather Concerns

Portland, Oregon, is bracing for a significant heatwave starting Tuesday, with temperatures expected to surge into the low to mid-90s °F (32-37 °C) and potentially reaching triple digits. A Heat Advisory will be in effect starting at noon on Tuesday, as reported by Storm Tracker 2. Additionally, wildfire smoke is expected to move into the area on Monday, raising air quality concerns. While fire conditions in Central and Eastern Oregon have improved, the region remains under elevated fire danger. A Red Flag Warning, which was previously in effect, has now expired. The heatwave is expected to last through Thursday before temperatures begin to cool.
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Heat Advisory and Wildfire Smoke Impact Portland and Surrounding Areas

Heat Advisory and Wildfire Smoke Impact Portland and Surrounding Areas

A Heat Advisory has been issued for parts of Northwest and West-Central Oregon, as well as Southwest Washington, starting Tuesday at noon and lasting until 11 p.m. Wednesday (source: katu.com, 2026-08-03 01:44:43 GMT). Daytime high temperatures are expected to range from 95-100°F (35-38°C), with overnight lows only dropping to 60-65°F (16-18°C). Additionally, wildfire smoke from Central and Eastern Oregon is forecasted to move into the Portland area starting Monday, potentially reducing air quality. While the smoke may slightly lower temperatures, it will not eliminate the risk of heat-related illnesses. Fire weather concerns persist, with a Red Flag Warning in the Southern Willamette Valley and a Fire Weather Watch in the Columbia River Gorge due to low humidity and gusty winds.
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Pacific Northwest Enjoys Mild Summer; Fire Risks Persist

Pacific Northwest Enjoys Mild Summer; Fire Risks Persist

The Pacific Northwest has experienced a relatively mild summer so far, with Portland recording only nine days at or above 90°F (32°C) and one day reaching 100°F (38°C). Temperatures have been slightly above average due to a warmer-than-normal June, but the region has avoided prolonged heat waves thanks to consistent onshore flow and morning cloudiness. Early August is expected to continue this trend, with a few hot days but no extended periods of extreme heat. Meanwhile, fire season has been severe, with over 2.2 million acres burned across Oregon and Washington by the end of July, largely due to lightning strikes and dry conditions. A Red Flag Warning, classified as a Particularly Dangerous Situation (PDS), is in effect for Saturday due to strong winds and low humidity, posing a significant risk for rapid fire spread.