Air Quality Alerts and Heat Warnings in Eastern Washington

Wildfires Increasing and Growing

Lightning has ignited numerous wildfires across central and eastern Washington in the past week including incidents that are still emerging after dry thunderstorms over the weekend. 

In northeastern Washington, the Crown Creek Fire has rapidly grown to 3,193 acres and the Rattlesnake Fire has grown to 1,887 acres. There are also smaller but growing fires in that area including Katy Creek and Tacoma Creek Fires. All of these fires are 0% contained and producing significant smoke.

A view of the Crown Creek Fire on Sunday, August 31, 2025. Image via InciWeb.

Fire activity has also increased in the Cascades, especially along and just east of the Cascade Crest. The largest new fire in that area is the 1,170 acre Wildcat Fire burning near Bumping Lake in Yakima County, east of Mount Rainier National Park. The park remains open to the public, but further east, the Pacific Crest Trail is now closed between White Pass and Chinook Pass. For those living and recreating near Mount Rainier, daily smoke outlooks are now being produced for the Wildcat Fire by an Air Resource Advisor. These forecasts offer visitors guidance around finding a less smoky area or favored time of day that might minimize smoke exposure. The 737 acre Perry Fire, 122 acre Martin Fire, and numerous emerging incidents are also producing localized smoke impacts in the central and northern Cascades.

Very tall smoke plume on the Wildcat Fire, Sunday, August 31. Photo taken by Nick Wigle, accessed via InciWeb.

Lastly, the 9,388 acre Bear Gulch Fire continues to burn in western Washington on the Olympic Peninsula, west of Lake Cushman. It is 10% contained and burning in steep, rugged terrain. 

Smoke Impacts Building in Central/Eastern Washington

As of Tuesday afternoon, smoke is mainly concentrated in the Cascades and across eastern Washington. The larger population centers on the east side of the state such as Wenatchee, the Tri-Cities, and Spokane are generally experiencing MODERATE air quality. However, smaller communities closer to the current fires are experiencing air quality ranging from UNHEALTHY FOR SENSITIVE GROUPS to VERY UNHEALTHY – this includes places like Colville where the AQI has rapidly spiked today. Smoke has also been drifting into places like Moses Lake this afternoon. For a full picture of current air quality you can always view the map at the top of this page. Air quality alerts are now in effect until further notice for Spokane, Lincoln, Stevens, Grant, Kittitas, and Yakima Counties. 

Air quality spiking Tuesday afternoon in Colville, WA. Data via the Department of Ecology.

As high pressure sits over the state and new fires emerge and potentially grow this week, smoke will likely continue across eastern Washington and through the Cascades. Day to day smoke concentrations will vary depending on wind direction, but full clearing of the smoke seems unlikely through at least Friday. West of the Cascades, smoke concentrations will be less – but may still be visible at upper levels of the atmosphere. Some of the smoke moving overhead will also be coming from distant fires in Oregon, especially the Emigrant Fire.

Heat and Smoke Combine - How to Protect Yourself

In addition to smoke, much of eastern Washington is under Heat Advisories or Extreme Heat Warnings. Temperature records are being challenged for this time of year, though it remains to be seen whether smoke will have a slight cooling effect that keeps us from breaking those records. 

NWS Heat Risk for Wednesday, September 3.

Smoke and heat combined can present unique challenges. Heat is the more immediately dangerous threat. If it's hot indoors during poor air quality, these steps can help you stay cool:

• Close windows, curtains, and shades during the day and use portable fans.
• Minimize your use of the stove and oven during the hottest parts of the day.
• Take a cool bath or shower. Be mindful of extreme temperature changes, which can cause life-threatening issues.
• Use ice packs or put your feet in cool water. Apply wet rags on the back of your neck or mist yourself with water while sitting near a fan.
• Stay hydrated, especially with water. Avoid sugary or alcoholic drinks since these can be dehydrating.
• Go to a cooler indoor place – even if only for a few hours. For updated information on cooling centers in your community, visit Washington 2-1-1.
• Only open windows when it is cooler outside than inside. An open window is most effective when a door or additional window can be opened to provide a cross draft. For more information, see Cooling Indoor Spaces Without Air Conditioning (PDF). 
• Take steps to filter indoor air (See “How can I improve filtration in my home to reduce smoke levels?”).
• Check on your neighbors and others in your community who may not have access to cooling.

For more on protecting yourself from smoke and extreme heat, see the Department of Health 'Smoke From Fires' webpage.

Additional blog updates will be posted as conditions warrant this week and beyond. Stay cool out there!