Spokane, Wash. – Thickening wildfire smoke will push into Spokane and much of eastern Washington through Wednesday, prompting an expanded Air Quality Alert that now covers Stevens, Spokane, Lincoln, and Grant counties. The Washington Department of Ecology and Spokane Clean Air say conditions may worsen as shifting winds carry haze from multiple fires into the region.
According to the National Weather Service in Spokane, north to northeast winds today are driving smoke southward from active fires in Stevens County and the Rattlesnake fire in southern Ferry County, funneling haze into the Columbia Basin. By Wednesday, winds will turn north to northwest, pushing additional smoke into Spokane and surrounding counties while combining with regional haze from several other wildfires.
Residents may experience reduced visibility, especially along roadways such as U.S. Highway 2 and Interstate 90, where smoke can quickly create dangerous driving conditions. Health officials recommend limiting outdoor activity, keeping windows closed, and using air purifiers where possible. Sensitive groups, including children, older adults, and people with respiratory issues, are urged to take extra precautions.
The air quality alert remains in effect until further notice, with conditions expected to fluctuate depending on fire activity and wind shifts. Updates will continue as new data becomes available.
