Spokane, Wash. – Smoke is expected to remain a growing concern across eastern Washington after lightning sparked several new wildfires over the past 24 hours, with the Lyons Ferry Fire emerging as one of the primary sources sending smoke toward the Spokane area.
According to the National Weather Service in Spokane and regional air quality partners, multiple new wildfire starts have been reported across eastern Washington and portions of the Inland Northwest following recent lightning activity. Officials say the Lyons Ferry Fire is producing a significant smoke plume that is being transported toward Spokane, raising concerns about deteriorating air quality through the weekend.
Additional fires have been reported near Royal Lake, Stinky, Lower Dry Creek, North Cayuse, Anthony, Powder River, Salmon, Wilcox, Hopkins and Deep Canyon, contributing to smoke across the region. Air quality impacts will vary depending on changing winds, but communities across Spokane, the Columbia Basin and nearby valleys may experience periods of reduced visibility and elevated fine particle pollution.
Residents, particularly those with asthma, heart disease or other respiratory conditions, should monitor local air quality reports and consider limiting prolonged outdoor activity if smoke becomes thick. Keeping windows closed and using air filtration systems or air conditioning on recirculate can help reduce indoor smoke exposure.
Fire officials also urge the public to use extreme caution outdoors as dry conditions continue. Avoid activities that could spark new fires, including parking vehicles on dry grass, improperly extinguishing campfires or dragging trailer chains. Forecasts for smoke and air quality may change quickly as fire behavior and wind patterns evolve, and additional fire weather or air quality advisories could be issued.
