Multiple large wildfires in Washington, Oregon, and surrounding states produced copious quantities of dense smoke throughout the month of September. Due to poor ventilation and a gradual return to southwest winds, there were increasing amounts of wildfire smoke to Washington. The smoke from these fires severely degraded air quality across much of eastern Washington in mid-September. Numerous communities, especially in the Spokane area, suffered long periods of very unhealthy to hazardous air quality.

Dense Smoke in SPOKANE AREA, WASHINGTON
From 12-SEP-20 12:00:00 to 19-SEP-20 12:00:00 (PST-8)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Other Federal Agency

An air quality sensor in Spokane recorded unhealthy air quality from September 12th through 19th. It spiked to continuous hazardous conditions on September 13th through 15th. The arrival of a cold front on September 19th brought showers and westerly winds which ventilated the area.

Dense Smoke in UPPER COLUMBIA BASIN, WASHINGTON
From 12-SEP-20 12:00:00 to 19-SEP-20 12:00:00 (PST-8)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Other Federal Agency

An air quality sensor in Ritzville recorded unhealthy air quality from September 12th through September 19th with spikes into the Very Unhealthy and Hazardous categories. A cold front passage brought showers and westerly winds which ventilated the area.

Dense Smoke in WENATCHEE AREA, WASHINGTON
From 12-SEP-20 12:00:00 to 19-SEP-20 12:00:00 (PST-8)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Other Federal Agency

An air quality sensor in Wenatchee recorded unhealthy air quality from September 12th through September 19th. Thick smoke dispersed a little on September 15th with the arrival of a weak front and wind shift. This was temporary and very unhealthy conditions returned until the arrival of a cold front on September 19th which ventilated the area.

Dense Smoke in WASHINGTON PALOUSE, WASHINGTON
From 12-SEP-20 12:00:00 to 19-SEP-20 12:00:00 (PST-8)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Other Federal Agency

An air quality sensor in Pullman recorded unhealthy air quality from September 12th through September 19th. It spiked to continuous hazardous conditions on September 13th through 15th. The arrival of a cold front on September 19th brought showers and westerly winds which ventilated the area.

Dense Smoke in OKANOGAN VALLEY, WASHINGTON
From 12-SEP-20 12:00:00 to 19-SEP-20 12:00:00 (PST-8)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Other Federal Agency

An air quality sensor at Omak recorded unhealthy air quality from September 12th through September 19th with occasional spikes into the Very Unhealthy and Hazardous categories. The arrival of a cold front on September 19th brought showers and westerly winds which ventilated the area.

Dense Smoke in NORTHEAST MOUNTAINS, WASHINGTON
From 12-SEP-20 12:00:00 to 19-SEP-20 12:00:00 (PST-8)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Other Federal Agency

An air quality sensor in Colville recorded unhealthy air quality from September 12th through September 19th with occasional spikes into the Very Unhealthy and Hazardous categories. A cold front passage brought showers and westerly winds which ventilated the area.