Aug. 11, 2026: Wildfire Smoke Air Quality Update

The current air quality across Missoula County is  Unhealthy for Everyone. In Frenchtown and Seeley Lake, air quality is Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups. Sensitive groups should limit their exposure to the smoke/PM2.5 in the air and everyone should take steps to reduce their exposure to smoke. Check out this activity guide from the EPA. See current air quality conditions at Fire.AirNow.Gov.

GOES West Satellite imagery 

Southwesterly winds continue to carry smoke from wildfires in Oregon and Idaho to Missoula County. The Moose Mountain Fire northwest of Lolo Pass in Idaho was active yesterday and sent a plume of smoke directly over portions of Missoula County. The main fires in Oregon producing large smoke plumes are the 72,476 acre Grasshopper Fire, the 51,687 acre Wrights Spring Fire, the 371,549 acre Rowe Creek Complex fires, and the 46,527 acre Hagan Fire.

GOES West Satellite imagery 

Forecasts show the potential for good mixing this afternoon, which could improve air quality in some locations for a few hours before smoke settles back down overnight. However, as winds increase this afternoon, fire activity will also increase. The Moose Mountain Fire is close enough to Missoula County that its smoke plume could have localized air quality impacts.

HRRR Near-Surface Smoke Forecast for 6 p.m., Aug. 11.

With all the smoke in the air, remember that any smoke outside also gets inside through windows, doors, outdoor air intakes, and cracks. You won’t be able to see the smoke inside and you might not be able to smell it either but assume it’s there. Continue to clean your indoor air with portable air cleaners with a HEPA filter (NWE rebate), to reduce your exposure. Keep this in mind for your workplace as well. Is your workplace using air purifiers or is the HVAC system upgraded to effectively clean out the air? If you work outside, consider wearing a well fitted N95 or KN95 mask or timing the work with better air quality.

When the Air Quality Index is Red or Unhealthy for Everyone, everyone should shorten and reduce the intensity of any outdoor activities and take steps to limit your smoke exposure. Sensitive groups should avoid long or intense outdoor activities and limit time spent outdoors and move activities to a clean indoor air space. Everyone will likely experience symptoms of short-term exposure to wildfire smoke such as coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, fatigue, respiratory irritation, and congestion. People with asthma should follow their asthma action plan and keep quick relief medicine handy. People with heart or lung disease should contact their health provider if experiencing symptoms associated with smoke exposure.

If you need a companion during these smoky evenings, stop by Missoula Animal Services to adopt a pet! Taffy could be your own personal air quali-kitty…