By Daily Mail (U.S.) | Created at 2026-08-17 18:47:40 | Updated at 2026-08-17 19:06:42
40 minutes ago
Americans across three states are being warned that simply stepping outside could put their health at risk.
Air quality alerts were in effect Monday across parts of Oregon, Washington and Texas as wildfire smoke and ozone threatened to make it dangerous to spend prolonged periods outdoors.
The warnings covered large areas of the Pacific Northwest through at least Wednesday, while Dallas-Fort Worth faced dangerously high levels of lung-irritating ozone pollution on Monday.
Wildfires burning across the region were pushing smoke into communities in Oregon and Washington, where officials warned that pollution could reach unhealthy levels.
In Texas, atmospheric conditions were expected to produce elevated concentrations of ground-level ozone across the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area.
The alerts involved two potentially harmful pollutants: microscopic PM2.5 particles carried by wildfire smoke and ozone generated near the ground.
Both can inflame the lungs and airways, aggravate asthma and other respiratory diseases and leave people coughing, wheezing or struggling to breathe.
Officials urged residents in affected areas to limit outdoor activity, avoid strenuous exercise and keep children indoors when conditions became smoky.
Above is an aerial view, taken from inside a commercial aircraft, showing the smoke pall of the active Grasshopper fire backdropped by Mount Hood in Oregon on August 5, 2026.
Thunderstorms and erratic winds intensified the massive Big Grass Fire in Oregon on Sunday, reviving embers, torching trees and creating dust devils capable of carrying flames across containment lines.
The lightning-caused fire, which began July 23, had burned 578,448 acres, was 72 percent contained and threatened 735 structures, forcing 159 people under evacuation orders.
More than 1,000 firefighters, supported by aircraft, drones and heavy machinery, were attacking stubborn hot spots before hot, dry weather returned.
The Grasshopper Fire burning on the eastern side of Mt Hood remains active as firefighters work to shore up containment lines on the northwest and southeast sides of the fire.
The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality issued a smoke advisory for Crook, Jefferson and Wasco counties that was scheduled to remain in force until 1pm PT Wednesday.
The affected area included Prineville, Post, Paulina, Madras, Warm Springs, Culver, The Dalles, Maupin, Shaniko and Tygh Valley.
A separate advisory covering Hood River County, including Hood River, Cascade Locks and Parkdale, was also extended until 1pm Wednesday.
Officials said wildfires burning in the region, combined with forecast weather conditions, would cause air quality to reach unhealthy levels at times.
The lightning-caused the Big Grass Fire in Oregon, which began July 23, had burned 578,448 acres, was 72 percent contained and threatened 735 structures, forcing 159 people under evacuation orders
Smoke exposure can cause burning eyes and a runny nose while aggravating heart disease, lung disease and other serious health conditions.
Residents with existing heart or lung problems were advised to follow their doctors’ recommendations and take additional steps to avoid breathing polluted air.
Across the state line, the Washington Department of Ecology issued an alert for Chelan, Douglas, Grant and Okanogan counties until further notice.
The sweeping warning covered Wenatchee, Leavenworth, Chelan, East Wenatchee, Moses Lake, Omak, Winthrop and numerous smaller communities.
Officials warned that concentrations of PM2.5 could reach unhealthy levels in areas downwind of active wildfires.
PM2.5 particles measure no more than 2.5 micrometers across, meaning they are small enough to travel deep into the lungs. Some particles can also enter the bloodstream, allowing wildfire pollution to affect organs beyond the respiratory system.
Air quality alerts were in effect Monday across parts of Oregon, Washington (pictured) and Texas as wildfire smoke and ozone threatened to make it dangerous to spend prolonged periods outdoors
Washington authorities said everyone, not only those considered especially vulnerable, should reduce their exposure when local air quality reached the unhealthy category.
People were told to check nearby air monitors before exercising or working outdoors, limit the amount of time they spent outside and take steps to maintain cleaner indoor air.
Kittitas County, including Ellensburg, Cle Elum and Easton, was placed under a separate smoke alert that was also set to continue until further notice.
More than 1,500 miles away, Texas officials issued an Ozone Action Day for the Dallas-Fort Worth region.
Unlike the Pacific Northwest alerts, the Texas warning was not caused by wildfire smoke. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality said weather conditions on Monday were expected to favor the formation of high levels of ozone pollution.
Ground-level ozone forms when other pollutants react in sunlight and is different from the protective ozone layer high in Earth’s atmosphere.
Breathing it can irritate and inflame the airways, cause chest discomfort and make it harder to take deep breaths. It can also worsen asthma, bronchitis and emphysema, with children, older adults and people active outdoors facing heightened risks.
Texas officials encouraged residents to reduce pollution by sharing rides, avoiding drive-through lanes, conserving electricity and ensuring their vehicles were properly maintained.
