Air quality alerts are in effect for the Vancouver area and the western Columbia River Gorge as smoke from regional wildfires blankets the Northwest. According to reporting by OPB, the National Weather Service expects air quality to reach unhealthy levels through at least Wednesday night, driven by smoke from fires that have burned more than 2 million acres across Oregon.

The alerts coincide with a red flag warning for the western Columbia River Gorge in both Washington and Oregon, effective from August 4 through 8:00 PM PDT on Wednesday, August 5. The National Weather Service cited critical fire weather conditions, including:

  • Relative humidity as low as 15 to 20 percent
  • Easterly winds reaching up to 38 mph
  • Poor overnight humidity recovery over mountainous terrain

These conditions follow a period of heightened fire risk in Southwest Washington. As previously reported on August 3, officials recently raised the fire danger rating in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest to "very high."

The National Weather Service warned that smoke pollutants can cause burning eyes and runny noses, and may aggravate heart and lung diseases. Health officials advise residents to limit outdoor activities and keep children indoors when smoke is visible. The Air Quality Index (AQI) scale categorizes health risks as follows:

  • 50 or lower: Good
  • 51 to 100: Moderate
  • 101 to 150: Unhealthy for sensitive groups
  • Over 301: Hazardous

While some areas in Central Oregon near the 300,000-acre Rowe Creek Complex have seen significantly higher pollution levels, Portland recorded an AQI reading just over 80 late Tuesday morning. According to reporting by OregonLive, forecasts earlier in the week suggested readings in the region could reach as high as 167 as smoke persists.

In addition to smoke and fire concerns, a heat advisory remains in place for the region, with temperatures potentially reaching near 100 degrees through Thursday. Conditions are expected to begin improving on Thursday as winds shift and move smoke back toward the east. The current air quality advisories remain in effect until further notice.

Source: People urged to limit outdoor activities as smoke blankets the Northwest