Onshore Winds and Cooler Temps this Weekend

Fire activity has continued across Washington this week. On the west side of the state, the Bear Gulch Fire continues to burn near the Staircase entrance to Olympic National Park. The fire is 562 acres and 19% contained. Hot and dry weather led to increased fire activity this week, but cooler weather is on the way (more on that later).

The Bear Gulch Fire burning in steep terrain above Lake Cushman on Wednesday, July 16.

Fires also continue east of the Cascades. The Pomas Fire is 3521 acres, burning very far up the Entiat River Valley - also in steep, rugged terrain.

The Hope Fire, north of Kettle Falls, is 7414 acres and 25% contained. 

View of the Hope Fire from Churchill Mountain, Thursday July 17, 2025. Credit: Ryan Sullivan, NW Team 8.

The two other large fires in the state are the Greenacres Fire and Western Pines Fire, but both are now 95% contained and producing minimal to no smoke. 

With the hot weather and increased fire activity this week, there have been reports of minor smoke and haze across the state. Luckily, surface air quality has generally remained in the GOOD to MODERATE category. Additionally, a frontal system is moving across the state Friday afternoon, helping to further clear out smoke/haze for most areas. 

This frontal system is also producing high fire danger across eastern Washington. A Red Flag Warning is in place across the Columbia Basin due to a combination of high winds, hot temperatures, and dry air.

After this latest peak in fire danger, temperatures will continue to cool down statewide Saturday into Sunday and fire danger will gradually wane. As a result, active fires will likely produce less smoke going forward into early next week. Still, minor to moderate smoke impacts may continue for communities in close proximity to any new or existing fires.

As a reminder, you can always stay updated on current air quality by viewing the map at the top of the blog site. Have a great weekend!