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!

New Fires This Weekend

Several new fires have grown this weekend, many of which were caused by lightning on Friday night.  

Crews are working hard to contain fire growth, but the Crown Creek fire near Colville has been especially problematic.  Currently air quality is unhealthy in the Colville region. Low mixing heights are containing smoke near the surface, and unfortunately the light wind flow and hot temperatures in Northeast Washington are expected to continue for the coming days.  The Katy Creek fire is also adding to the mix.

The map below shows the most significant fires in the state right now, causing smoke in their areas.  The Perry and Wildcat fires are impacting air quality in the Cascade mountains, while the Bear Gulch fire continues to impact the area around Lake Cushman.

Large fires in Washington (August 31, 2025), courtesy of NIFC.

If you live around south-central Washington, don't be surprised if the Emigrant fire in Oregon causes some moderate haze in the coming days, as satellite imagery shows a significant plume.  

Smoke Expected to Continue.

Fire and Smoke Map 8/29/2025

Smoke in Washington has been largely due to smoke from other fires outside of the state. The highest levels of poor air quality locally, remains closest to current fires.

WA DNR's Wildfire Dashboard

Currently in Washington, there are 4 major fires.  The current concerns are of scattered thunderstorms. Going into Monday, we enter a significant, possibly record-setting heat wave – especially for the eastern half of the state. Temperatures in eastern Washington will be in the 95 to 105 degree range each day Monday through Thursday. 

Western Washington will also feel a heatwave starting Wednesday of next week next week, peaking Thursday or Friday with temperatures in the upper 80s to mid 90s, potentially nearing 100 in portions of far SW WA and the Columbia Gorge.

With heightened temperatures and dried fuels, concerns remain for new fire starts. Forecasters will keep an eye on weather changes and new fire starts. 

Statewide smoke update: heat and lingering impacts

Over the weekend, smoke drifting in from fires in Central Idaho led to significant smoke impacts in Southeast Washington. 

Yesterday's satellite imagery showcased the smoke from Idaho impacting Southeast Washington. Smoke from the Bear Gulch Fire is also visible, as well as a new fire in British Columbia.

Satellite image from 2pm Sunday, August 24 showing smoke from fires in Idaho impacting Southeast Washington. A localized plume of smoke from the Bear Gulch Fire near Lake Cushman is also visible, as well as a narrow plume in British Columbia. Source: NASA Worldview. 

Monitoring sites in Clarkston and Pullman observed some of the highest PM2.5 concentrations of the season:

Hourly PM2.5 concentrations from monitoring sites in Clarkston and Pullman. Data accessed 11am 8/25/2025.

Hot weather combined with increased regional fire activity continues to produce widespread haze and moderate air quality across much of the state. The heat will continue into Wednesday morning. Smoke impacts in Southeast WA will continue through at least mid-week, although likely less impactful than the weekend's smoke due to shifting winds. Air quality will likely remain moderate with periods of USG. There may be occasional Unhealthy air quality in the Clarkston area. Lingering haze could extend as far north as Spokane. 

The Bear Gulch Fire remains active. The greatest smoke impacts will continue to be closest to the fire near Lake Cushman. Haze will be visible throughout the region.

Moderate air quality was observed yesterday in western WA and continues into today. While smoke from the Bear Gulch Fire is contributing to slightly degraded air quality, heat and stagnant meteorological conditions are also trapping pollutants at the surface. Light winds are limiting dispersion, allowing pollution to accumulate. It's likely that the PM2.5 currently measured at monitoring sites reflects both wildfire smoke and Secondary Organic Aerosol (SOA). SOA forms in the atmosphere when volatile organic compounds (VOC) emitted from vehicles, industrial processes, and trees and plants react with oxidants in the atmosphere, including ozone. Hot weather enhances ozone formation and increases the biogenic (trees and plants) fraction of VOC emissions.  Over the weekend, elevated ozone concentrations were observed along the Cascade Foothills of King and Pierce counties; similar conditions are expected today and tomorrow.

Critical fire conditions are expected today and tomorrow in the Cascades and Methow Valley. The heat will begin to ease on Wednesday; cooler temperatures may reduce fire behavior and lessen smoke impacts. However, smoke and haze may linger through the week. If new fires start, smoke impacts could increase. Keep an eye on current and forecasted conditions on the map at the top of this page, and we'll provide updates as needed.

Hot, Dry Weekend Ahead with Smoke Impacts Possible

A heatwave is approaching Washington, with temperatures reaching the upper 80s in western Washington and the upper 80s to upper 90s in eastern Washington tomorrow afternoon. This stretch of hot weather is expected to last through the weekend and into early next week. Highs this weekend will climb into the low 90s in western Washington and could reach the low 100s in the Columbia Basin. Along with the heat, low relative humidity is expected across the state.

Peak Temperatures this Saturday (8/23) at 5pm

Moderate heat risks in western Washington this weekend will mainly impact those most sensitive to heat, particularly people without access to cooling or adequate hydration. In central Washington, major heat risks are expected, posing a danger to everyone without access to cooling and hydration.

Heat Risk Forecast for this Saturday, courtesy of  NWS HeatRisk Graphics

These hotter, drier conditions will likely increase fire activity on the Bear Gulch Fire, with potential smoke impacts for Lake Cushman and surrounding areas.

The Island Creek Fire in central Idaho and the Sunset Fire in northern Idaho are other sources of concern for smoke. As winds shift this weekend—from the typical onshore flow to an easterly direction—smoke from the Island Creek fire could move into southeast Washington. If the hot and dry conditions promote more activity from the Sunset fire, then there could be potential for smoke in other parts eastern Washington, although this remains uncertain. 

Smoke from Island Creek Fire over Central Idaho this morning.

For those experiencing smoke during this heatwave and without air conditioning, there are steps you can take to stay cooler while keeping your indoor air clean. These include closing windows, curtains, and shades; minimizing stove use during the hottest parts of the day; taking cold showers or baths; and staying hydrated. For more information on protecting yourself from smoke, visit the Washington State Department of Health’s Smoke from Fires page.

Courtesy of NWS and NOAA Heat Infographics

We’ll continue to monitor smoke from the Island Creek Fire and post updates here as conditions change.

Wednesday Smoke Recap and New Fires

Wednesday Smoke Recap

It was an interesting air quality scenario on Wednesday as smoke from the Bear Gulch Fire crossed the Cascades Tuesday night and settled over the Columbia Basin Wednesday morning.

In a "normal scenario," smoke trapped beneath an inversion layer will disperse and air quality will improve as the inversion breaks. But on Wednesday, smoke was trapped just above the morning surface inversion. As the inversion broke, the substantial smoke plume began to mix both up and down, and air quality began to deteriorate during the late morning hours. Air quality was mostly Moderate or Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups, though a few monitors and sensors did record a brief period of Unhealthy air.

The reduced fire activity at Bear Gulch has resulted in less smoke over eastern Washington Thursday morning, though there was some smoke trapped underneath the morning inversion. With less smoke overhead, we're seeing a more "normal" scenario play out and air quality is improving as the inversion breaks.

Two New Wildfires
With hot, dry, and windy conditions developing Wednesday afternoon, two new large incidents emerged. The Central Ferry Fire in southwest Whitman County grew to approximately 6,000 acres and remains 0% contained. Smoke impacts are confined to the immediate area surrounding the fire, particularly along the Snake River.

The Central Ferry Fire in Whitman County on August 13, 2024. Courtesy: Pullman News Radio

In Lincoln County, the Crescent Road Fire is burning just south of the Spokane River and crossed into far northwest Spokane County Wednesday night. It's currently 779 acres and 0% contained. Fire activity has begun to increase late Thursday morning, and air quality near and just north of the fire will likely range from MODERATE to UNHEALTHY, especially along SR-231 and SR-291.

Fire danger decreases Friday into the weekend with widespread rainfall in and west of the Cascades. Increased relative humidity and scattered showers east of the Cascades will reduce smoke output from new and existing fires, and air quality is expected to improve.

Smoke on the Move

This morning's satellite image showcases two impressive narrow bands of smoke moving across the state:

GOES-WEST satellite image 13 Aug 2025 15:36Z

The northernmost plume is smoke from the Mount Underwood Fire on Vancouver Island, while smoke from the Bear Gulch Fire is drifting across the middle of the state. 

This morning, a fascinating wave-like pattern formed as smoke from the Bear Gulch Fire drifted above Snoqualmie Pass:

Smoke from the Bear Gulch Fire drifts over Snoqualmie Pass. Courtesy DNR/Pano.

A large pyrocumulus cloud was also visible above the Bear Gulch Fire. These "fire clouds" form over large heat sources due to intense upward vertical motion of air cooling and condensing as it rises.

Pyrocumulus over the Bear Gulch Fire. Courtesy DNR/Pano.

Although most of the smoke is above us in the atmosphere, it's currently contributing to moderate air quality in Central Washington and hazy skies throughout the state. Winds should continue pushing the smoke to the east today. 

Rain remains in the forecast, arriving in Western Washington Thursday evening before spreading east through Saturday--great news for dampening fire activity and reducing smoke impacts across the state.

New Fire in British Columbia and Rain on the Way

What’s in the Air Today

Heavy smoke from the Bear Gulch Fire is creating HAZARDOUS air quality around Lake Cushman this morning, with smoke drifting south into Hoodsport. As a result, an Air Quality Alert has been issued for Mason County, effective until 9 AM Friday August 15 due to the smoke from Bear Gulch fire.  For current smoke conditions and forecasts in the Bear Gulch area, check the Smoke Outlook. 

Bear Gulch Fire: A helicopter drops water on a hotspot at the fire's edge, courtesy of InciWeb

Elsewhere, air quality is MODERATE to the east of Bear Gulch, including the Kitsap Peninsula and Shelton. Some smoke may drift into the southern Puget Lowlands today, mixing with higher ozone concentrations due increased temperatures, but overall air quality should remain moderate. Along the coast today near Taholah, air quality is also MODERATE but should improve as concentrations drop through the day.

A new wildfire started Monday near Port Alberni on Vancouver Island. It has grown quickly over the past 24 hours and is now at 1,556 acres. Smoke from this fire has been moving down along the Washington coast but is currently staying offshore. As more smoke is produced and winds shift from the northwest later today, smoke will be visible through most of western Washington this evening. However, most of this smoke is expected to remain high in the atmosphere and should not affect air quality at the surface. Check the surface quality map above this post to see what the AQI is near your location. 

Mount Underwood fire near Port Alberni B.C. on August, courtesy of BC Wildfire Service 

Early tomorrow morning, smoke could move over the east slopes of the Cascades and spread into eastern Washington, leading to moderate air quality for a time. Winds should push the smoke east out of the state by tomorrow evening, allowing conditions to improve.

Satellite imagery of smoke over WA this morning

Later This Week – A Wet Turn for August

Looking toward the end of the week, we’re seeing an unusual trend for August: rain, and plenty of it. Areas around Puget Sound could see up to 1 inch, with the Olympics and Cascades possibly picking up as much as 2 inches. Eastern Washington will have a shot at some rainfall as well, though amounts will be lighter than on the west side. This wet system should help slow ongoing fire activity and reduce the risk of new starts, with minimal smoke impacts expected across the region.

Total 48 hour rain accumulation (in) over WA by this Saturday at 5 AM

Weekend Update - Bear Gulch still going strong and warmer weather this weekend

Washington saw a shift to cooler, cloudier conditions this week as a cold front ushered in a notable rain event. The change offered some reprieve from drought and fire activity.  However, over the next few days Washington will see a shift toward hotter, drier conditions that elevate fire weather concerns. 

In western Washington, ridging from the northeastern Pacific will bring a warming and drying trend through early next week, with highs in the 80s by Sunday and Monday. Overnight humidity recoveries will remain good in the near term, but fire danger will increase late this weekend. Eastern Washington will experience even hotter conditions, with widespread 90s and some locations—such as Omak, Wenatchee, Moses Lake, and Lewiston—approaching 100°F on Monday. 

The Bear Gulch fire in Mason County continues to show active behavior, which will likely increase through the weekend.  Satellite imagery shows the Bear Gulch as the only source of visible smoke right now in the State.  Residents in the area (e.g. Hoodsport) should continue to expect poor air quality late at night and in the mornings.  However, daily clearing should occur as it gets warmer and smoke lofts higher in the atmosphere.  Moderate air quality in the greater Puget Sound region may occur throughout the weekend as the Bear Gulch fire grows.  For more a detailed forecast about the Bear Gulch fire, see the Smoke Outlook.

Residents in Eastern Washington are currently experiencing Good air quality, but it wouldn't be surprising if moderate smoke is generated on hot days as fires increase their activity. Winds east of the Cascades will strengthen early next week, but there is an expected cooling trend midweek.

National Weather Service Infographic for Friday, August 8.

The Bear Gulch Fire, Smoke in the Puget Sound, and best of all, Rain in the Forecast

Many folks in Puget Sound smelled and saw smoke from the Bear Gulch Fire Friday afternoon, Sunday night and even a little this Monday morning. While some areas experienced elevated smoke for a few hours Sunday night, the smoke didn't hang around long enough that AQI NOWcast exceeded moderate (yellow) conditions. Most air monitors and sensors around Puget Sound returned to an AQI reading good (green) this morning, but have since gone back to moderate. With the exception of those communities closest to the fire, we do not expect air quality around the Puget Sound to get worse than moderate over the next few days, and will likely continue to vary between good and moderate. Sensors in the Cascades also report moderate air quality from smoke lingering at upper elevations. The following plot shows smoke yesterday afternoon and evening between 1 and 3 km elevation over Tacoma.

    Ceilometer data from the Tacoma South L-Street air monitoring station, courtesy of Puget Sound Clean Air Agency

Cooler temperatures and high relative humidity over the next few days will hopefully keep fire activity to a minimum, but we're really all looking at Wednesday. Forecasts predict a front moving through early Wednesday morning bringing showers throughout the day across all Western Washington, with potential for 0.3 to 1" precipitation around Cushman. It will likely not be enough to put the fire out altogether, but will be a huge help to our fire fighters and in clearing smoke from the air. Forecasts for this weekend and next week will be addressed in a post later this week.

Probability of total rainfall exceeding 0.5" for Wednesday, August 6th