Pomas Fire, smoke aloft, and warming temperatures

Earlier this week winds transported smoke from active fires in Canada and Alaska into our region. The smoke mostly stayed aloft in the atmosphere; the fraction of smoke that mixed down to the surface resulted in moderate air quality across most of the central and eastern part of the state. Satellite imagery from Monday showed the smoke plume moving south:

GOES-West satellite image (6/23/2025) showing the smoke plume aloft in the atmosphere.

The Pomas Fire northwest of Entiat continues to grow (currently 1,521 acres), although smoke impacts have been minimal over the past few days; surface air quality has been mostly moderate. The minimal smoke impacts should continue with continuing cooler temperatures this week. However, winds from the west/northwest will push any smoke down valley into the Entiat/Chelan area. Firefighting efforts continue to be challenging due to the steep terrain and large amounts of dead timber in the area. In attempts to contain the fire, firefighters are utilizing containment lines from previous fires in the area as well as applying protective fire-resistant materials to infrastructure. A number of trails in the area are closed to protect public safety. 

Aircraft flying over the Pomas Fire, 6/18/2025. https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-photos-gallery/waowf-pomas-fire-2025

Warmer temperatures and dry conditions return this weekend with the potential for critical fire weather later next week due to increased winds. With the change in weather, smoke production from the Pomas Fire will likely increase. Keep an eye on current conditions and the daily smoke forecast at the map at the top of this page, and we'll update as needed.