Upriver Beacon Fire in Spokane and Fires in Oregon

The Upriver Beacon Fire near Camp Sekani Park has caused visible smoke and haze around Spokane.  Several crews responded to the fire and recent news reports say firefighters built a line completely around the 115 acre fire, minimizing the chance of more fire growth.  All mandatory evacuations have been lifted but Beacon Hill, Shields Park, and Camp Sekani are closed on Wednesday.  We expect the fire to cause smoke and haze in the area today, with southwesterly winds blowing most of the plume to the northeast of Spokane Valley.  Current air quality around the Spokane area is Moderate to Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups, which could persist throughout the day.

There are also fires in Oregon that have pushed smoke towards Walla Walla, Clarkston, and other communities in southeastern Washington.  The Substation Fire has grown to nearly 30,000 acres and will continue to grow, but a new fire in Heppner was mostly put out.  Westerly winds are expected to blow smoke from Oregon to the east, mostly missing Washington, but causing some intermittent Moderate to Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups smoke intrusions for the next couple days.

PM2.5 in micrograms per cubic meter for Clarkston, Walla Walla, and Spokane