As firefighters continue working to contain wildfires that are burning more than 2 million acres in Oregon, most of the state will be blanketed with smoky air through at least Wednesday night.

The National Weather Service is warning that in many areas the air quality will reach unhealthy levels over the next couple of days.

“Pollutants in smoke can cause burning eyes, runny nose, aggravate heart and lung diseases, and aggravate other serious health problems,” the NWA alert reads. “Limit outdoor activities and keep children indoors if it is smoky. Please follow medical advice if you have a heart or lung condition.”

Generally, if the air quality index lists an area’s air pollution level at 50 or lower, the air quality is good. Between 51 and 100 is moderate, and 101 to 150 is considered unhealthy for sensitive groups.

Negative health impacts increase as the scale goes up, and anything over 301 is considered hazardous.

In the area near the 300,000-acre Rowe Creek Complex in Central Oregon, including Prineville, the AQI was registering at 551 as of late Tuesday morning.

Most of Portland, by contrast, was just over 80 at the same time. It’s not currently expected to go much over 150 throughout the day.

Check the air quality forecast where you live.

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality issued an air quality advisory Tuesday morning impacting 27 of Oregon’s 36 counties.

Air quality alerts are also in place for the Vancouver area and most of Washington east of the Cascades.

In some areas of Oregon, including the western Columbia River Gorge, the air quality alerts are in effect at the same time as red flag warnings for fire danger through Wednesday.

Critical fire weather conditions are expected today and Wednesday due to low RHs during the afternoons, and east winds with poor recoveries over the mountains during the overnight periods. Do your part to prevent a spark…one less spark, one less fire! #ORwx #CAwx pic.twitter.com/jSyXjgIaVd

— NWS Medford (@NWSMedford) August 4, 2026

In other areas, including the Portland metro area, the air quality advisories are overlapping with heat advisories for temperatures potentially reaching triple digits through Thursday.

The air quality is expected to improve in most areas starting on Thursday. But the advisories are in effect until further notice.

Resources: Stay safe and informed during wildfire season with OPB’s wildfire guide at opb.org/wildfires. This resource offers essential safety tips and preparedness guidance to help you navigate fire and smoke events. This resource was created as part of our commitment to serving the public as wildfire seasons become longer and more dangerous.

News Source : https://www.opb.org/article/2026/08/04/air-quality-advisory-oregon-wildfires-portland-fire/