Aug. 15, 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.

More good news! The east winds and rain showers have sustained our Good to Moderate air quality and even with the weather pattern changing, the latest forecasts show the improved air quality conditions likely lasting through the weekend for most areas. With Good to Moderate air quality, it should be a good weekend to be active outside for most people. However, keep an eye out for areas of poor air quality due to localized impacts from the Moose Mountain Fire, especially on the western side of Missoula County.

Many areas in Montana have received beneficial rainfall over the last several days 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. Of these fires, the Moose Mountain Fire has the greatest potential to impact nearby areas of Missoula County with some smoke this weekend as fire conditions become more active in the afternoons and evenings. Firefighters have also already responded to several new fire starts from recent lightning across the region, and more thunderstorms are in the forecast, so new local fires could develop. 

Air quality conditions from EPA Fire and Smoke map 

The overall weather pattern is still forecast to shift back to a southwest flow over the next few days. 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 smoke our way. Uncertainty remains about the exact timing of the return to smoky skies, but it will likely happen sometime next week. Hopefully it takes a while!

HRRR model near-smoke forecast for noon 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. Even 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.

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.