Wildfire smoke triggers air quality alert for Eastern WA and Tri-Cities

Benton Clean Air Agency issued an air quality alert Friday morning for the Tri-Cities region and much of Eastern Washington. The air is considered unhealthy for sensitive groups.

The agency is warning that others should prepare for higher smoke levels in case conditions worsen.

“Changes to the forecast could potentially cause a rise in particulate matter ...,” said a news release.

Sensitive groups include older adults, children, people who work or exercise outdoors, and those with heart conditions and respiratory ailments such as asthma, bronchitis and emphysema.

Everyone else should also reduce outdoor activities, said the agency.

Wildfires in the Pacific Northwest are causing elevated levels of smoke particulate throughout the region.

The Air Quality Index (AQI) was “moderate” Friday morning in Benton County, but surrounding areas were ranked as unhealthy for people sensitive to the air particulate.

Most people are OK to go outside, but sensitive individuals should keep outdoor activities “light and short,” said Benton Clean Air officials.

Pollutants in smoke can cause burning eyes and a runny nose and can aggravate heart and lung diseases and other serious health problems. Limit outdoor activities and keep children indoors if it is smoky, said the agency.

They recommend:

• Stay indoors when possible.

• Limit your physical activity outdoors, such as running, bicycling, physical labor and sports.

• Close windows in your home, if possible, and keep the indoor air clean. If you have an air conditioner, use the “recirculation” switch. Use an indoor air filter if available.

• If you do not have an air conditioner, consider finding a public place with clean, air-conditioned indoor air like a public library or a community center.

• N95 or N100 rated masks can help protect some people from air pollution. These masks are usually available at hardware and home repair stores. Please check with your doctor to see if this appropriate for you.

Northwest fires growing

The Wildcat Fire, about 30 miles from Naches, near Mount Rainier National Park, doubled in size Wednesday and had grown to nearly 7,000 acres by Friday.

It closed the Pacific Crest Trail and some forest roads as nearby residents been given notice to be ready to evacuate if needed. It is 0% contained as more than 400 firefighters were fighting the blazes, according to the Northwest Interagency Coordination Center.

Several other wildfires in the Washington range of the Cascade Mountains and in Eastern Washington have scorched an additional 10,000 acres and continue to be a hazardous.

The Emigrant Fire, in south-central Oregon, has burned more than 31,000 acres since it was started by lightning on Aug. 24. It is 0% contained, with nearly 1,200 personnel working it.

Temperatures in the Tri-Cities and surrounding areas were starting to cool on Friday and daytime highs were expected to be closer to 92 by Saturday and 88 on Sunday before dipping even lower next week, said the National Weather Service in Pendleton.

A red flag warning remained in effect through Friday night for lightning storms in much of Eastern and Central Oregon.

This story was originally published September 5, 2025 at 12:29 PM.