Aug. 20, 2026: Wildfire Smoke Air Quality Update

The current air quality across Missoula County is Moderate to Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups. See current air quality conditions at Fire.AirNow.Gov.

Hot temperatures and gusty winds continue to increase fire activity at regional fires, resulting in worsening air quality conditions. Last night, a couple of air quality sensors in the Frenchtown area reached Unhealthy for Everyone or Red on the Air Quality Index, and many others reached Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups or Orange. Air quality conditions improved to Moderate this morning in most areas, but some sensors are still at Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups, especially around Seeley Lake.

Air quality conditions from EPA Fire and Smoke map on Thursday, Aug. 20.

High pressure will continue into tomorrow with hot, dry, and windy conditions. Fire activity and smoke production will likely continue to increase across the region. West winds will continue to blow smoke in from nearby fires like the Moose Mountain, Grotto, Cascade, and Cherry Peak fires, and from other fires further away in Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia. Of these fires, the Moose Mountain Fire in Idaho, northwest of Lolo Pass, is likely to have the most smoke impacts on Missoula County. Areas on the Western side of the county that are nearest to the fire can expect the most localized impacts. Expect worsened air quality overnight as smoke settles into the valleys and improvements throughout the day as increased dispersion helps the smoke lift and mix out of the valleys.

This weekend, cooler temperatures, shifting winds, showers, and thunderstorms are in the forecast, which will likely lead to variable air quality. With variable and frequently changing air quality conditions it’s extra important to regularly check current conditions at Fire.AirNow.Gov so you can make the best decisions for your health. If conditions are changing fast, check out the Hourly PM2.5 and Sub-Hourly graphs to get the latest data from each sensor. Take a look at this handy Air Quality Index Activity Guide for guidance on what to do at each level of the Air Quality Index.

When 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.