Wildfire smoke from eastern Washington, British Columbia to worsen air quality in western Washington

Key facts

Source: Chinook Observer
Publication date: August 4, 2026
Affected area: Western Washington, including Pacific County
AQI level on Aug. 3: Level-yellow (moderate)
AQI level on Aug. 4: Level-orange (unhealthy for sensitive groups)
Fires near Spokane: Autumn Lane (5,602 acres), Fairview (1,506 acres), Old Trails (3,319 acres)

Background

Wildfire smoke from fires burning in eastern Washington and British Columbia is moving into western Washington, according to the Chinook Observer. Conditions are expected to deteriorate starting Aug. 4.

Current forecasting expects the air quality index (AQI) for most of Pacific County to delve into level-yellow, which is 'moderate,' on Aug. 3. This rating is considered 'acceptable.'

However, by mid-day Aug. 4, the AQI for most of Pacific County is expected to delve into level-orange, which is 'unhealthy for sensitive groups.' This level is most likely to impact individuals with pre-existing health conditions.

Current situation

Officials at WA Smoke Blog, a multi-agency operated online wildfire-related blog, said: 'Fire and smoke will be very dynamic over the next few days. A strong high-pressure system off the coast is expected to persist this week, resulting in hot and dry conditions and winds coming from the north / northeast. This will allow smoke to engulf most of Eastern/Central Washington through the week.'

'Haze will also be visible in Western Washington and smoke is expected to mix down into the Puget Sound lowlands later today. Smoke impacts are expected in southwest Washington this afternoon. The high-pressure ridge is expected to stick around a few days, so smoke is expected to persist in the meantime,' officials added.

There are currently several major fires burning in eastern Washington near Spokane: Autumn Lane Fire is estimated at 5,602 acres, Fairview Fire is estimated at 1,506 acres, and Old Trails Fire is estimated at 3,319 acres. The fires have already destroyed over 700 homes.

Major fires in Washington state (acres)
Fire name	Location	Estimated size (acres)
Autumn Lane Fire	Near Spokane	5,602
Fairview Fire	Near Spokane	1,506
Old Trails Fire	Near Spokane	3,319
Kaiser Canyon Fire	Central Washington	136,423
Sinlahekin Fire	Central Washington	85,000
Little Giant Fire	Central Washington	59,345

Figures as reported by Chinook Observer on Aug. 4, 2026.

Impacts

The largest fires burning in the state are in central Washington: Kaiser Canyon Fire is estimated at 136,423 acres, Sinlahekin Fire is estimated at 85,000 acres, and Little Giant Fire is estimated at 59,345 acres.

The smoke is expected to affect air quality in western Washington, particularly in Pacific County, where sensitive groups, including individuals with pre-existing health conditions, may be impacted. The AQI level-orange indicates 'unhealthy for sensitive groups.'

Residents in the affected areas may experience reduced air quality and visibility due to haze. The persistence of the high-pressure ridge suggests that smoke conditions could last for several days.

Future outlook

Scenario analysis: The possibilities below are not certain predictions.

If the high-pressure system persists as forecast, smoke is expected to continue affecting eastern and central Washington through the week, with western Washington seeing intermittent haze and potential smoke mixing down into lowlands.

Should wind patterns shift or fires be contained, air quality could improve sooner. However, if fires continue to grow, conditions may worsen, potentially leading to more severe AQI levels.

Residents, especially those in sensitive groups, are advised to monitor air quality updates from official sources such as the WA Smoke Blog and the Washington State Department of Ecology's air quality map.

Source: chinookobserver.com

AMRIT EXPLAINER