Aug. 14, 2026: Wildfire Smoke Air Quality Update

The current air quality across Missoula County ranges from Good to Moderate. See current air quality conditions at Fire.AirNow.Gov.

Finally some good news! Last night, winds shifted to blow out of the east, which helped bring cleaner air into our region. Air quality has significantly improved compared to the last several days. With Good to Moderate air quality, it’s a good day to be active outside for most people. Unusually sensitive people should consider making outdoor activities shorter and less intense. Watch for symptoms such as coughing or shortness of breath. These are signs to take it easier.

Continued east winds and rain showers have helped keep our air quality at Good to Moderate. Many areas in Montana have received beneficial rainfall over the last 48 hours that has helped moderate fire conditions at local fires like the Moose Mountain Fire, Silvertip Fire, Black Bear Fire, Moose Fire, Sand Creek Fire, and Bobcat Lakes Fire. Smoke impacts from these fires have decreased and remain localized to nearby communities. Firefighters have already responded to several new fire starts from lighting across the region. Thankfully, none of these fires have grown significantly yet. However, with more thunderstorms in the forecast and a trend towards hotter conditions next week, new local fires could develop.

As far as air quality is concerned, it’s a good day to be active outside for most people, but you might run into some heavy rain and thunderstorms. When the air quality is Moderate, unusually sensitive people should consider making outdoor activities shorter and less intense. Watch for symptoms such as coughing or shortness of breath. These are signs to take it easier.

Air quality conditions from EPA Fire and Smoke map 

Looking ahead, the good news is that the improved air quality conditions should last through at least Sunday morning for most areas of Missoula County. The bad news is that over the weekend and into next week, the weather pattern will gradually shift back to a southwest flow. Unfortunately, that will likely bring smoke from Oregon, Idaho, and Washington back to our region. Those states have not received the same beneficial rainfall as us, so the fires there have remained active and will still be able to send us significant smoke. There is some uncertainty of the exact timing of when that smoke will return to us. Right now, it looks like it should hold off until at least Sunday afternoon when the southwest winds pick up, but hopefully it takes longer! 

HRRR model near-smoke forecast for 6 a.m. on Aug. 16.

Remember that air quality can change rapidly, so it’s always a good idea to check the latest air quality conditions at Fire.AirNow.Gov. If air quality worsens, remember that creating a clean indoor air space is the best way to reduce your exposure to smoke. You can either use a portable air cleaner with a HEPA filter or a MERV 13+ furnace filter attached to a box fan. For more information about ways to keep smoke out of your living space and reduce your exposure to smoke, explore the resources at MontanaWildfireSmoke.org.

If you’re making plans for this weekend, remember that Stage 2 fire restrictions remain in effect in Missoula County and the Lolo National Forest. Even though we’re getting some beneficial rain, the fire danger is still Very High. We all must do our part to prevent human-caused wildfires.

Stage 2 Fire restrictions mean that the following are prohibited:

•    Building maintaining, attending, or using a fire or campfire.
•    Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials.
•    The following acts are prohibited from 1:00 pm to 1:00 am:

• •  Operating any internal combustion engine.
  • Welding, or operating acetylene or other torch with an open flame.
  • Using an explosive.
  • Operating motorized vehicles off designated roads and trails.