Lingering smoke in the Cascades

Lingering smoke continues near active smoldering fires. Today's satellite imagery shows visible smoke pooled in valleys near the Sisi and Little Giant Fires, as well as the Luna and Border 2 Fires in the North Cascades. The Three Queens and King Fires also continue to produce moderate smoke.

Satellite imagery from Sept. 18 (Terra/MODIS). This morning's (9am) hourly PM2.5 concentrations shown in the circles.

As long as these fires smolder, nearby and downwind communities will continue to experience smoke impacts. Areas including Cle Elum Lake, Lake Wenatchee, Lake Chelan, and Ross Lake will observe intermittent smoke, with Stehekin experiencing the most persistent smoke due to its proximity to the Sisi Fire. Warm and dry weather will continue for at least the next week, with only a chance of minimal rain next Friday. Until widespread rain arrives, expect the familiar pattern of overnight and early-morning smoke pooling in valleys and downslope areas, followed by gradual improvement throughout the day.

Low hanging smoke over Cle Elum this morning due to smoldering on the Three Queens Fire.

With the peak of wildfire season behind us, agricultural burning is now underway in the Columbia Basin and Idaho. Communities in southeast Washington may see occasional periods of moderate smoke from agricultural burning throughout the rest of the month. Prescribed burning will also start to increase as we transition into fall.

This Year's Wildfire Season - Compared to Prior Years

This year's wildfire season began quickly with numerous lightning ignitions in mid-July and continued steadily through August. The plot below highlights daily average PM2.5 concentrations that were USG or worse over the last 15 years, as observed by the statewide monitoring network (no purple air sensors). This year was characterized by a fast start, minimal relief, and now a slow finish as smoke from lingering fires continues to impact nearby communities. This is in contrast to other years which sustained more smoke impacts through September or experienced more intermittent smoke impacts spread across the season. 

Smoke in the Cascades - But More Rain this Weekend

It's that time of year when we all start to wonder if wildfire season will end soon.  Fire growth has mostly been light this week, but there are still active incidents and smoke affecting nearby communities in the Cascades.  Hot-spots are still being detected by satellite at the Border 2, Luna, Sisi, Little Giant, Three Queens, and King fires. There was also a new vegetation fire in Walla Walla county yesterday that grew quickly, but the Skyrocket Fire progress has been stopped by fire crews and there were only minimal smoke impacts.

Winds today are light, keeping smoke near active fires.  Cle Elum, Chelan, Leavenworth, and other nearby communities are experiencing moderate to unhealthy smoke impacts.  Stehekin has been experiencing more concerning smoke impacts, due its proximity to the Sisi fire, but fire crews are working hard to increase containment with water drops and fire lines. 

Smoke impacts this week in Chelan, Cle Elum, Entiat, Leavenworth, and Stehekin

Easterly winds are expected to increase tonight and into tomorrow, which will bring moderate smoke into the mountain valley towns of Whatcom, King, and Snohomish counties tomorrow morning.  The good news is that more rain and cooler weather is on the way Saturday night and into Sunday, which will clear out smoke and reduce fire activity.  Over an inch of rain is expected near the Three Queens and King fires.  However, less rain is expected further north.  The Border 2 and Luna fire in Whatcom county aren't expected to benefit, while the Sisi and Little Giant fires in Chelan county will likely see minimal rain.

Total rain expected this weekend - courtesy of Windy.com (NAM model)

Overall, moisture this weekend will help decrease fire activity significantly.  However, cooler temperatures will cause lower mixing heights which keeps smoke near the surface. We don’t expect any new large scale incidents, but current fires still represent a substantial source of smoke for the nearby communities in the Cascades.  Warmer and drier conditions are also expected next week, which will allow those pesky fires to stick around a bit longer. 

The 2026 Wildfire Season Finally Slows Down

Rain and Cooler Temperatures - What Comes Next for Fire Season? 

Precipitation totals over the past 72 hours have favored southwest Washington, the Olympics, and the Blue Mountains. In fact, windward portions of the Olympic Mountains recorded 2-4 inches of rain from this system so far. Rain amounts of 1-2 inches were also observed in portions of the south Cascades. 

Click to enlarge. Precipitation totals from 1200 Tuesday to 1200 Friday. Data via NOAA. 

Even with the pattern change to cooler and damp, the map below highlights portions of state that received less than 0.25" of rain this week. Dry spots focused in the lowlands of northwest Washington and lower elevations east of the Cascade crest. The Little Giant Fire notably received minimal precipitation. 

Areas with less substantial precipitation (0.25" or less) from 1200 Tuesday to 1200 Friday. Data via NOAA. Contours drawn by DNR meteorology staff.

In the near-term, the fire environment is slowing quite a bit even for areas that haven't received a lot of rain. That is because cooler temperatures and higher relative humidity allows fuels to absorb moisture from the air and become less flammable. Looking ahead, additional light precipitation is expected this weekend but primarily in areas that have already received it. For example, the Little Giant Fire has not received a quarter inch of rain yet and only has around a 20% chance to receive a quarter inch of additional rain. Regardless, near to below normal temperatures and minimal wind will keep the fire environment relaxed this weekend. 

Probability of additional precipitation > 0.25" through Saturday night. Data via Global Systems Laboratory (GSL)/NOAA.

Then, a gradual warming and drying trend is on the horizon for the middle of next week, followed by a lot of uncertainty in the weather pattern mid-month. With the warming temperatures next week, areas that missed out on significant rain should quickly return to a state that would support fire spread. This is especially true in lighter, flashy fuels such as the grass and sagebrush of the Columbia Basin. In contrast, heavily forested areas that received a lot of rain will struggle to return to conditions that prompt any concern for significant wildfire spread (e.g. Olympic mountains). 

Probability of temperatures exceeding 80 degrees Fahrenheit next Wednesday, September 9. Data via Global Systems Laboratory (GSL)/NOAA.

In general, we are entering the time of year where emerging large wildfires just aren't very common across the state. In fact, for the past 25 years (2001-2025) Washington only averages about one 1000+ acre fire annually beginning on or after September 10. 

That said, existing forest fires like Little Giant could still grow and produce increased smoke if favorable fire weather conditions return over the next few weeks. Given the uncertainty in the forecast, it is certainly possible that fire activity could increase again -- just probably not to August levels.

Air Quality Improvement

Air quality has improved in recent days, even for areas closer to the large fires in the Cascades. Between August 22 and September 1, monitors in Cle Elum, Leavenworth, Peshastin, Entiat, and Chelan were experiencing almost daily periods of air quality reaching UNHEALTHY FOR SENSITIVE GROUPS to UNHEALTHY, with a few spikes into VERY UNHEALTHY or HAZARDOUS observed. 

Since Wednesday, however, hourly readings have primarily been GOOD to MODERATE. 

Department of Ecology air quality data for Cle Elum, Leavenworth, Peshastin, Entiat, and Chelan from August 22 to September 4.

In general, minimal changes are expected in the near-term and most communities across the state will experience GOOD air quality for the holiday weekend. If you've been dealing with smoke and finally have better air quality, it's a great time to open those windows! Areas very close to large fires in the Cascades, however, will still experience periodic smoke impacts -- particularly in the morning hours. 

Mop-up work on the Little Giant Fire, September 1, 2026. Photo via Donovan Smith, accessed via InciWeb.

Smoke settles overnight near active fires, rain on the way

It was a fairly mild weekend with no new large fires detected and moderate activity from existing fires. As nights grow longer, smoke tends to settle into valleys after dark as mixing heights decrease. This leads to the familiar pattern of elevated smoke concentrations overnight and into the morning hours, followed by gradual air quality improvement as daytime heating helps promote atmospheric mixing.

The overnight-to-morning daily smoke pattern will continue today and tomorrow in areas downwind of active fires. We're currently seeing that play out as smoke from the Little Giant Fire impacts areas in the Wenatchee and Entiat River Valleys, as well as Chelan. Smoke from the Three Queens Fire has led to elevated PM2.5 concentrations in Cle Elum.

Yesterday's (8/30/2026) satellite image (NPP Viirs) showing localized smoke impacts near active fires.

Air Quality Alerts remain in effect for Chelan, Douglas, and Kittitas Counties through Wednesday morning.

Weak offshore flow today into tomorrow may also bring periods of Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups air quality in the eastern portions of King and Snohomish Counties. Smoke from the Border 2 and Luna Fires in the North Cascades may occasionally impact the eastern parts of Skagit and Whatcom Counties as well.

Rain this week

Rain chances increase Tuesday night, with likely rain across the state on Wednesday and Thursday. Widespread wetting rains are expected, which will help clear the air and slow fire activity. As noted in last week's update, we're not out of wildfire season yet, but this upcoming stretch of cooler and wetter weather will bring a welcome reprieve.

Mean precipitation expected through Friday morning. NWS.

Will it be a smoky September this year?

Current Fire Situation

Wildfires in Washington have grown in recent days. In particular, the Little Giant and Sinlahekin Fires had very active days yesterday. Tall smoke plumes were observed, reaching at least 30,000 feet above sea level according to radar data. 

 

Wildfires, smoke plumes, and clouds across the Pacific Northwest on Wednesday, August 26 at 5:50 p.m. local time. Notable heat and smoke are visible from the Sinlahehkin Fire near the border with Canada. Data: GOES-18 satellite imagery accessed via RAMMB/CIRA, CSU.

Large smoke plume over the Sinlahekin Fire on Wednesday, August 26. Photo credit: Derek Cook.

The forests are very dry and conditions remain active, particularly along the eastern slopes of the Cascades. The largest fires, by far, are Little Giant and Sinlahekin, but a handful of other fires in the Cascades are also uncontained and growing in remote wilderness. 

These are the main smoke-producing fires as of August 27: 

• Little Giant: 155,974 acres, 23% contained
• Sinlahekin: 162,630 acres, 56% contained
• Luna: 4,776 acres, 31% contained
• Border 2: 7,633 acres, 42% contained
• Sisi: 941 acres, 0% contained
• Three Queens: 8,240 acres, 5% contained
• Goat: 561 acres, 0% contained
• King: 1,835 acres, 0% contained
• Wonderland Complex: 314 acres, 0% contained
• High Lava: 2,771 acres, 25% contained

Additionally, large fires are ongoing to our north, in British Columbia, and to our south, in Oregon. See the BC Wildfire Map or Inciweb for more information.

Firefighters watch extreme fire behavior on the Sinlahekin Fire, August 11, 2026. Photo via Inciweb.

A Smoky Summer in North-Central Washington

It has been a smoky summer east of the Cascade crest, particularly in Chelan, Douglas, and Okanogan counties where smoke in August has been relentless. 

In Chelan County, according to EPA data, at least one air quality monitor in the county has experienced a 24-hour average AQI exceeding:

• UNHEALTHY FOR SENSITIVE GROUPS (AQI 101+), for 20 of the last 24 days.
• UNHEALTHY (AQI 151+), for 13 of the last 24 days. 
• VERY UNHEALTHY (AQI 201+), for 4 of the last 24 days (August 4-7, specifically).

Also keep in mind that particular times of day often had worse air quality than the 24-hour average. For example, Wenatchee experienced multiple mornings with HAZARDOUS (AQI 301+) readings in the past month, even if the 24-hour average settled out to something less extreme after air quality improved later in the day. 

While certainly severe, there have been other years with bad smoke in Chelan County. As seen above, notable smoky periods also occurred during fire seasons in 2012, 2017, 2018, 2020, 2022, 2023, and 2025. 

Smoke this summer has drifted into other portions of eastern Washington, too, but generally not as continuously as in north-central Washington. 

Offshore Wind Season, Western Washington Outlook

The story is different in western Washington which has largely been protected so far this year by prevailing winds bringing in clean air in from the Pacific Ocean. Smoke from eastern Washington has drifted into the Cascades and Olympics at times, but surface air quality has generally been GOOD to MODERATE in more populated cities along the I-5 corridor and westward to the coast.

Perfect air quality looking west from the Space Needle Webcam in Seattle on Wednesday, August 26.

Will luck run out for the western side of the state in September? 

As long as fires continue to burn in the Cascades and eastern Washington, western Washington will need to watch closely for offshore wind events that reverse our typical prevailing winds and could bring smoky air westward. These periods of offshore winds tend to occur more often in September, putting much of western Washington at somewhat greater risk of smoke in the next month or so. 

While the next week ahead is forecast to bring cooler temperatures and even some light precipitation to western Washington, it likely won't be enough to extinguish many of the ongoing forest fires in the eastern Cascades. This is especially true because of ongoing drought stress and exceptionally dry vegetation conditions. According to the drought monitor, 71% of Washington state is now experiencing at least 'moderate' drought (level 1 of 4), with 25% of the state experiencing 'severe' (level 2 of 4) drought. Pockets of Okanogan County are in 'extreme' (level 3 of 4) drought. 

So, if we do get a period of dry, easterly winds in September, then forest fires could easily pick back up again and send smoke across the west side of the state.

September 2020 was a prime example of a strong offshore wind event that drove extreme wildfire growth and subsequent smoke impacts across the Pacific Northwest. This came after a relatively smoke-free summer. October 2022 was another example where late season fires in the Cascades funneled smoke into many western Washington communities. 

Additionally, we are losing more and more daylight. This means that nights are longer and cooler which tends to more easily trap smoke near the surface as we head into the early fall months. In summary, we are almost there, but smoke season is not over. For western Washington in particular, it could be just beginning.

Scooper above Lake Wenatchee with Little Giant Fire burning in the background. Photo via Inciweb. 

Smoke continues downwind of active wildfires and begins to drift west

Significant smoke continues to impact communities near active fires along the Cascades. In Central WA, smoke from the Little Giant and Three Queens Fires is settling into mountain valleys. In Eastern WA, smoke from the Paradise and Hagen Fires in the Blue Mountains are impacting the Walla Walla area, especially in the overnight and early morning hours. Air Quality Alerts are in place for Chelan, Douglas, Okanogan, Kittitas, and Walla Walla Counties. In Western WA, light offshore winds are allowing smoke to drift into the upper slopes. Warm and dry conditions today and tomorrow will support ongoing fire activity and smoke production. 

Monday morning satellite image from MODIS, showing smoke concentrated in valleys near active fires.

Smoke Outlook: Western WA

Starting this afternoon, a brief 24-36 hour period of reduced air quality is expected as winds from the north and east will allow smoke and haze to drift into Western WA, with peak east winds expected tomorrow morning. Smoke from the Little Giant and Three Queens Fires will reach areas from King County northward. The highest PM2.5 concentrations will be near the Cascade foothills and the eastern portions of King, Snohomish, Skagit, and Whatcom counties. Communities closer to the Puget Sound should remain mostly Moderate with brief periods of USG possible. Similar conditions are expected in Southwest WA, where smoke from Oregon fires will result in mostly Moderate air quality across Clark and Skamania Counties. West winds Tuesday afternoon will help clear out lingering smoke and haze.

Smoke Outlook: Eastern WA

The heaviest smoke impacts will remain closest to active wildfires, including the Little Giant, Three Queens, and Sisi Fires in Central WA and the Hagen and Paradise Fires in northeast Oregon. While the Sinlahekin Fire near Tonasket is 53% contained, it is still expected to remain active given the warm and dry conditions. Most of Eastern WA outside of areas closest to the fires should expect Moderate air quality today and tomorrow.

Later this week

Critical fire weather returns in Eastern WA mid-week with breezy winds and dry conditions. However, there is a chance of precipitation in Northeast WA, and cooler temperatures into the weekend may potentially improve air quality. We'll continue to keep an eye on conditions and update as needed.

Areas of poor air quality continue east of the Cascades, thunderstorms and critical fire weather lie ahead

Overall, Western WA has seen mostly GOOD air quality with minimal smoke impacts. Eastern Washington has improved, but haze remains with periods of MODERATE to UNHEALTHY FOR SENSITIVE GROUPS the past several days. North-central Washington continues to deal with periods of heavy smoke, as does Walla Walla due to smoke from the Paradise and Hagen fires. The Air Quality Index has reached VERY UNHEALTHY and even HAZARDOUS levels at times. 

Outlook:

Western, WA: Air quality is expected to remain good as onshore winds continue to help clear out any residual smoke and push fog onto the coast. While some upper-level haze may be visible, smoke impacts mainly remain over Central and Eastern WA. 

Eastern, WA: Hazy and smoky skies remain as fires in Central and Eastern WA as well as BC and Eastern OR continue to remain active increasing smoke production in the region. Smoke will continue to impact communities located closest to the fires, especially settling into lower elevations overnight before heating up and lifting during the day. Hot and dry conditions remain over the region with very dry fuels continuing to be available to burn. Gusty winds out of the west will pick up this weekend which may increase smoke impacts downwind from new and existing fires. In turn, smoke will decrease at locations south and west of active fires.

Three Queens Fire near Kachess Lake

Critical Fire Weather:

The heat will build this afternoon and Friday. The hot and dry conditions will likely allow for increased smoke production on the active large fires in the region over the next 48 hours. With temperatures across eastern Washington well into the 90s, it's important to stay hydrated and limit smoke exposure. Click here to learn more about how to protect yourself from smoke and heat.

Thunderstorm chances will increase Friday evening, primarily along and west of the Cascade crest, though isolated storms will be possible in eastern Washington. Storm coverage is expected to increase and spread east overnight. Storms are expected to be fast-moving and will not produce very much precipitation, increasing the risk for new lightning ignitions.

Thunderstorms will continue across portions of central and eastern Washington on Saturday afternoon as a slow-moving low pressure system tracks across the state. As it does so, westerly winds will increase, especially along the east slopes of the Cascades and across the Columbia Basin. Although temperatures will cool slightly, continued low relative humidity combined with wind gusts between 25-40mph will increase the risk for rapid spread of any emerging incidents.

Fire weather information from NWS Spokane

Smoke continues in Central WA amid active fire conditions

Current smoke impacts are largely confined to areas downwind of active fires. The Little Giant and Sinlahekin Fires are the primary sources of smoke, and both are expected to produce more smoke today with warmer temperatures and increased winds.

Large fires in the region. Source: DNR Wildfire Dashboard.

Fire Roundup

In the North Cascades, the Border 2 Fire, Luna Fire, and Ptarmigan Fire remain active, although recent rainfall has reduced fire activity. 

The Sinlahekin Fire west of Tonasket has grown to over 150,000 acres and is expected to remain active with warmer and drier conditions.

The Little Giant Fire northwest of Leavenworth continues to expand and is now burning over130,000 acres. In addition to natural fire activity, burnout operations associated with efforts to protect structures and increase containment are contributing to additional smoke production.

Smoke production from the Three Queens Fire northwest of Little Kachess Lake (~3,600 acres) has decreased due to recent rain and firefighter efforts.

The Grand Park 2 Fire northeast of Mt. Rainier is now 57% contained and exhibiting moderate fire activity.

Further south, the High Lava Fire in Skamania County has grown to over 1,200 acres, but progress towards containment is increasing with cooler temperatures and increased moisture.

In Northeast WA, smoke production from the Bradeen Hill, Hudspeth, and Mitre Rock Fires are minimal. The Modrite Fire is currently 90% contained, and the Kaiser Canyon Fire is also now 84% contained. 

The Paradise and Hagen Fires in Northeast Oregon remain active; smoke from these fires may impact southeast WA later in the week.

Smoke Impacts

In Central Washington, smoke will persist in communities downwind of active fires. This includes Wenatchee, Leavenworth, Chelan, west Grant County, and across the Okanogan and Methow Valleys. Higher-elevation terrain along the Cascades will also remain smoky. While air quality may slightly improve in the afternoons, smoke will settle back into valleys overnight and into the early morning hours. Air Quality Alerts continue for Chelan, Douglas, Grant, and Okanogan Counties. 

In Northeast and Southeast Washington, regional smoke transport may lead to hazy skies and moderate air quality, but no significant smoke intrusions are expected today or tomorrow.

Looking ahead

A warming and drying trend later this week will likely increase smoke production from active and emerging fires. Any new fires from lightning holdovers could grow quickly. We'll monitor air quality and update as the week progresses.

Mountain embers on the Sinlahekin Fire. Source: Inciweb.

Relief for NE WA, increased impacts across Central WA, and elevated smoke in Western WA

Eastern Washington is getting a bit of a reprieve from smoke today, but that improvement comes at the expense of areas along the Cascades. North and northeast winds are pushing smoke south and southwest, leading to smoky conditions this morning in places like Ellensburg, the Tri-Cities, and Yakima.

Yesterday's thunderstorms also resulted in lightning strikes mostly in North Central and Northeast WA. While no new fires have been reported as a result of the lightning, a Red Flag Warning through today for the Cascades and the Olympics could result in additional lightning strikes and new fire starts.

Smoke Outlook: Eastern WA

Smoke will continue drifting southwest throughout the day today and tomorrow. The greatest smoke impacts will continue to be in communities directly down wind of active fires, especially overnight and into the morning hours. However, communities to the north and northeast of active fires will see a period of improved air quality before southwest winds return this weekend.

Air Quality Alerts continue for the majority of Central and Eastern WA, but these may be revised as the day progresses. While occasional clearing and intermittent good air quality is possible during periods of stronger winds, smoke production continues to be significant from regional fires. Be sure to check air quality monitors before outdoor activities.

UPDATE 3:30 pm: Air Quality Alerts are no longer in effect for Adams, Klickitat, Lincoln, Pend Oreille, Spokane, and Whitman Counties.

Smoke Outlook: Western WA

Smoke is filtering into western WA. Currently, the majority of the smoke is aloft in the atmosphere, producing hazy skies and vibrant sunrises and sunsets. Puget Sound Clean Air Agency's ceilometer at Marysville shows the smoke layer about 1500 m above the surface.

Ceilometer data from Marysville. Courtesy PSCAA.

The most noticeable smoke impacts will occur in the foothills, Cascades, the eastern portions of Skagit and Whatcom counties, and higher elevations. Smoke will also be present in the Olympics until tomorrow afternoon. While some daytime mixing may bring smoke down to the surface in the Puget Sound and push conditions into Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups for several hours, widespread poor air quality is not expected. Today's pattern will continue into tomorrow as smoke drifting southwest mixes with a weak push of cleaner marine air. Onshore winds return Saturday morning to clear out any lingering haze or moderate surface impacts. 

Northwest Clean Air Agency has issued an Air Quality Alert for Skagit and Whatcom Counties through Saturday at 9am. Southwest Clean Air Agency has also issued an air quality alert for wildfire smoke for Skamania County through tomorrow evening with intermittent impacts also expected in the eastern portions of Clark, Cowlitz, and Lewis counties. 

Cross-section from the HRRR smoke model, valid at 3pm Friday afternoon. Smoke impacts will mostly be aloft in the atmosphere with the greatest impacts at higher elevations. Relatively less smoke is present at the surface in Puget Sound.

Thunderstorms to the north and smoke in the basin expected this week

Weather on the horizon

Residents in the northern half of eastern Washington have been inundated with smoke for what seems like an eternity!  A weather system will bring scattered thunderstorms across Northern Washington and BC this week, but the amount of precipitation will likely not be enough to abate fire activity.  Lightning could also spark new fires near the Canadian border. 

National Weather Service - Weather Story Graphic for Tuesday August 11

Smoke Forecast

Winds will shift this week and bring smoke from the north into the Columbia Basin. The WSU AIRPACT-6 forecast plots below show the 10 am predictions for Wednesday and Thursday, with smoke expected to make its way a little into the western slopes of the Cascades, as well as increased smoke in South-Central Washington. 

Predicted smoke for Wednesday at 10 am (AIRPACT-6)

Predicted smoke for Thursday at 10 am (AIRPACT-6)

Fires in Washington

Several fires in Washington are still burning actively, while others have seen reduced activity and containment due to the amazing efforts by firefighters.  Below is a list of notable fires in our state.

Ptarmigan – Started July 17; 23,745 Acres Burned; 8% Contained; Okanogan County

Sinlahekin – Started July 26; 148,690 Acres Burned; 42% Contained; Okanogan County

Luna – Started July 2; 3,691 Acres Burned; 0% Contained; Whatcom County

Border 2 – Started July 17; 10,538 Acres Burned, 0% Contained, Whatcom County

Little Giant – Started July 16; 122,401 Acres Burned; 2% Contained; Chelan & Okanogan Counties 

Three Queens – Started July 15; 2,922 Acres Burned; 0% Contained; Kittitas County 

Kaiser Canyon – Started July 16; 138,210 Acres Burned; 69% Contained; Okanogan & Ferry Counties 

Modrite – Started July 17; 57,144 Acres Burned; 61% Contained; Stevens & Ferry Counties 

Hudspeth – Started August 1; 5,850 Acres Burned; 42% Contained; Stevens County

Spokane Fires:

Autumn Lane – Started August 1; 5,764 Acres Burned; 89% Contained

Old Trails – Started August 1; 3,175 Acres Burned; 73% Contained 

Fairview – Started August 1; 992 Acres Burned; 97% Contained

Paradise – Started July 16; 3,531 Acres Burned; 0% Contained; Columbia County

High Lava – Started July 23; 1,167 Acres Burned; 0% Contained; Skamania County 

Terra/MODIS image for Tuesday morning (Aug. 11) - Courtesy of NASA Worldview

Coping with wildfire smoke

Creating a support network in your community will help everyone manage the stress, anxiety, and health risks of wildfire season.  Make sure to take care of your own mental health by seeking out activities that keep you calm and grounded. Learn more about choosing the right mask if you do have to be outside, and smoke safety for workers.