Wildfire Smoke Air Quality Alert: Pacific Northwest, USA

Is the air quality good in the Pacific Northwest?

As of September 5, 2025, the air quality in the Pacific Northwest is poor due to widespread wildfire smoke (2).

The region is experiencing air quality ranging from unhealthy for sensitive groups to unhealthy, particularly in areas close to active wildfires in Washington, Montana, Idaho, and Wyoming.

This is driven by smoke from regional fires and contributions from Canadian wildfires. No cities in the Pacific Northwest are currently listed among the top 10 most polluted major cities globally, but air quality remains a significant concern, especially for sensitive populations (3)(4).

Air quality is expected to fluctuate, with some improvement possible by the weekend due to changing weather patterns, such as cooler fronts and increased humidity, but hazy conditions will likely persist in many areas.

Why is there an air quality alert in the Pacific Northwest?

Air quality alerts are in place across the Pacific Northwest due to elevated levels of particulate matter from multiple wildfires burning in the region and in Canada.

Fires in Washington, Montana, Idaho, and Wyoming, combined with smoke drifting from British Columbia, are contributing to hazardous air quality (1).

A northwest flow aloft and cold fronts are pushing smoke closer to the ground, worsening conditions and visibility.

For a closer look at wildfire activity, refer to the live air quality map.

The Montana Department of Environmental Quality noted that particulate levels have exceeded or are expected to exceed the 24-hour National Ambient Air Quality Standard, prompting alerts across multiple states (5).

Weather conditions, including low humidity and gusty winds, have exacerbated fire activity and smoke dispersion.

Which cities are being affected by wildfire smoke?

Several cities in the Pacific Northwest are experiencing poor air quality due to wildfire smoke. The affected cities include:

Asotin, Washinton
Bozeman, Montana
Chelan, Washinton
Coeur d'Alene, Idaho
Douglas , Washinton
Deer Lodge, Montana
Missoula, Montana
Okanogan, Washinton
Ravalli, Montana
Shoshone, Idaho
Spokane, Washington

Additional areas in Wyoming, such as Star Valley, are also impacted, though many cities were not mentioned above, smoke from regional fires and Canadian wildfires is affecting a broad region of Pacific Northwest, with more severe impacts closer to fire sources.

Are there any alerts in place?

As of September 5, 2025, Multiple air quality alerts are active across the Pacific Northwest, due to wildfire smoke (6).

These alerts advise residents, particularly those with respiratory or heart conditions, the elderly, and children, to limit outdoor activities and follow protective measures.

Specific alerts include:

Montana: Air Quality Alert for west central Montana, including Beaverhead, Deer Lodge, Granite, Mineral, Missoula, Powell, Ravalli, and Sanders counties, until at least 9 a.m. Friday, September 5, 2025.
Washington: Air Quality Alert for eastern Washington, including Adams, Asotin, Chelan, Douglas, Ferry, Garfield, Grant, Lincoln, Okanogan, Pend Oreille, Spokane, Stevens, and Whitman counties, in effect until at least noon Friday, September 5, 2025.
Idaho: Air Quality Advisory for Kootenai, Shoshone, Benewah, and Bonner counties, with conditions expected to worsen through Saturday (5).
Wyoming: Statewide Air Quality Alert in effect until at least midnight on September 6, 2025, due to smoke from local and regional fires.