Live updates: Washington wildfires in Spokane County; hundreds of structures destroyed
Spokane, Washington, is experiencing hazardous air quality levels due to smoke from regional wildfires. Meteorologists warn that stagnant air and a heat dome are exacerbating the situation, with conditions expected to persist or worsen through the week.
Why it matters
Wildfire-driven air pollution is an increasing public health concern in the Pacific Northwest, impacting millions and highlighting the intersection of climate change and urban safety.
Link Copied! Spokane has some of the nation’s worst air as wildfire smoke spreads west By Meteorologist Briana Waxman Old Trails Fire is seen from W. Northwest Blvd., on Saturday, in Spokane, Washington. Young Kwak/AP Thick wildfire smoke pushed Spokane’s air quality into the “very unhealthy” range Sunday, giving the city the second-worst air quality in the country behind Omak, Washington, about 150 miles to the northwest.
Spokane’s Air Quality Index reached 207 on Sunday, more than four times the upper limit for “good” air quality and high enough to affect even otherwise healthy people.
Wildfire smoke is the main driver of Spokane’s poor air quality, but the heat dome is also bringing the high temperatures, sun light and stagnant air that all help ozone form and accumulate near the ground.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in