July 28, 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. Montana DEQ has issued an air quality alert for Missoula County and many other Montana counties until Friday morning.

Before I get into the fire updates, I want to talk about cleaning your indoor air. From research done in Missoula County, we know that when it’s smoky outside, those tiny smoke particulates, categorized under PM 2.5 (particulate matter 2.5 microns or less in size), make their way indoors through windows, doors, outdoor air intakes, and cracks.

Portable air cleaners with a HEPA filter or a higher grade MERV furnace filter (13 or higher) are very efficient at filtering smoke out of the air so we don’t breathe it in and feel the negative health impacts. If you don’t have an air cleaner and are thinking of getting one, read through this before you buy so you purchase the right one for your space. AND if you are a Northwestern Energy residential customer, don’t forget to purchase an Energy Star certified air cleaner and submit this rebate for $100 back (this form will still work despite the effective date ending June 30, 2026). You can also set up a DIY Fan Filter using a box fan and a MERV 13+ furnace filter.

Graphic showing wildfire smoke particles 0.4-0.7 microns compared to human hair.

If you don’t have AC, it can be tough to manage the smoke and the heat. Try doing a “morning flush” of cold air instead of an evening or all night one. This means opening all windows in the morning and using fans to bring in the cold morning air. Then close windows and blinds and run a HEPA air cleaner or DIY Fan Filter at full blast to remove the smoke that was just brought inside.  

Now for local fires, the Elder 1 Fire, south of Frenchtown, has grown a couple hundred acres to 510 acres moving uphill towards Albert Point. The Lolo National Forest and assisting crews are working to contain and suppress the fire with multiple tactics. Forest fire officials are encouraging the public to stay out of the immediate area and avoid unnecessary travel down Deep Creek Road. Additionally, just this morning, a fire was discovered up Ninemile Road north of Stark, the McCormick Incident. It’s currently reported at 0.3 acres.
The North Fork Lost Horse Fire, burning southwest of Hamilton, showed minimal fire growth yesterday and crews are working on setting fuel breaks and preventing further fire growth. As of yesterday afternoon, the fire was mapped at 105 acres. Closures are in place for Lost Horse Road at the Lick Creek Road junction and the Coyote Coulee trailhead.

Several wildfires in Oregon continue to produce smoke that is being transported towards Missoula County and across the state on southwesterly transport winds. Those fires did not send up as big of smoke plumes as they did over the weekend thanks to some fires exhibiting more moderate fire behavior which is why we are seeing a little more of that lovely blue sky above. Surrounding Bend, the Rowe Creek Complex is now close to 300,000 acres and 33% contained, the Bench Fire is over 40,000 acres, the Akawa Butte Fire is over 27,000 acres and 6% contained, the Shingle Fire is over 63,000 acres and 6% contained. In eastern Oregon, the Coleman Creek Fire is 140,000 acres, the Bald Mountain Fire is almost 26,000 acres and 1% contained, the Fox Fire is 58,000 acres, and the Hagen Fire is almost 30,000 acres.  

Stay updated on wildfire conditions locally at MTFireInfo.org and nationally at Inciweb.wildfire.gov.
Despite the smoke, there are still windows to get outside! Mushu, your local air quali-kitty, has been reducing her time outside while still trying to enjoy Montana summer. Although, she may be considering hopping a train to the coast for some cleaner air…