Spokane, Washington – Smoke from a growing number of wildfires is blanketing parts of eastern Washington, triggering air quality concerns from Lake Cushman to Kettle Falls through at least Thursday morning.
According to the Washington Smoke Blog, new fires ignited in recent days are pushing smoke into the Inland Northwest, with the most significant impacts reported in Stevens and Lincoln counties. The 6,700-acre Hope Fire north of Kettle Falls is sending heavy smoke into nearby communities, with air quality ranging from Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups to Unhealthy tonight and early Thursday.
In Lincoln County, the Western Pines Fire near Davenport surged to nearly 4,000 acres since Tuesday, with smoke drifting east toward Wellpinit and expected to move south by morning, worsening conditions in the Davenport area.
Smaller fires near Belfair and Lake Cushman have created isolated smoke impacts, while the 3,330-acre Pomas Fire continues to affect the Entiat River Valley.
Residents in affected areas should limit outdoor activity, use air purifiers indoors, and monitor the state smoke map for real-time updates. Breezy winds may spread smoke further today, with fire danger increasing into the weekend as warmer, drier weather returns.
Smoke advisories remain active, and additional alerts are possible as conditions evolve.
