Fires burning in California, Oregon, Arizona, Washington, and other western states, as well as Canada, have filled the skies in regions of the western U.S. with smoke and haze, forcing some affected areas to declare air quality alerts or advisories.
As of the morning of July 24, there were 79 large active wildfires across the country being managed that have burned 1,431,460 acres, according to the National Interagency Fire Center. Evacuation orders are in effect for 15 fires in the Northwest, where fires continue to show active to extreme behavior. Communities near several fires in California, the Northern Rockies, and the Great Basin are also under evacuation orders.
Where are the big fires?
Oregon has 31 large active fires that have burned 791,653 acres. The Durkee Fire, the largest active blaze in the U.S., was burning near the Oregon-Idaho border and was 0% contained as of the morning of July 24 and had burned nearly 400 square miles. The Cow Valley, Falls, and Lone Rock fires, the next largest, have collectively seared some 404,404 acres.
There are 12 active large wildfires in both California and Arizona. In the Golden State, the Lake Fire in Santa Barbara has scorched 38,664 acres and was 90% contained; the 2024 SQF Lightning Complex in Tulare has burned 31,309 acres and was 7% contained; and the Shelly Fire in Siskiyou County that’s charred 15,656 acres was 62% contained. Hot, dry, and windy conditions have increased fire activity in some areas, including the Hill Fire in northern California.
The Black Fire east of Phoenix is the largest in Arizona, followed by the Romero Fire west of Dudleyville.
The Pioneer Fire in Washington is the largest in the state at 30,667 acres. In Montana, the Deadman Fire in Rosebud County grew to 19,982 acres and was 95% contained.
In Canada, there are about 430 active wildfires in British Columbia and 177 in neighboring Alberta, including two that led to the evacuation of up to 25,000 visitors and residents of the Canadian Rockies’ largest national park.
A fast-moving wildfire hit the town of Jasper in the Canadian Rockies’ largest national park, causing significant damage and forcing thousands of people, residents, and tourists alike, to flee.
Jasper National Park officials said the fire entered the southern edge of the community the evening of July 24, and crews were battling multiple structural fires and working to protect key infrastructure. There were significant losses in some areas, they said.
Jasper is being menaced by fires from the north and south, and the town’s 5,000 residents – along with 20,000 more park visitors – fled on short notice on the night of July 22 when the fires flared up.
Fuels and fire behavior advisories were in effect for California, Nevada, Southeast and Central Oregon, Southern Idaho, and the Utah and Arizona Strip.
What areas are under air quality alerts?
Unhealthy air pollution from wildfires have triggered air quality alerts and advisories in regions of the western U.S.
The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality issued air quality alerts for the eastern counties of Harney, Malheur, Grant, Baker, and Morrow until further notice. Unhealthy air was reported in the cities of Bend and La Pine today and forecasted for tomorrow, with smoke expected to continue degrading air quality in La Pine after July 25. Smoke from the Durkee Fire was choking the air in Boise, Idaho, and beyond. An air quality warning was in effect for the entire region July 24.
In Idaho, air quality advisories were sent out to the central counties of Ada, Canyon, Gem, Owyhee, Payette, and Washington.
In north-central Washington, the Colville Reservation, all of Chelan County, plus the Methow Valley down to Brewster in Okanogan County, were under air quality alerts until further notice.
In Canada authorities issued an air quality advisory for Calgary, Alberta, due to the wildfire smoke. The government agency called it high risk and said children and the elderly should avoid outdoor physical exertion.
How do I stay safe from wildfire smoke?
Wildfire smoke can cause unhealthy air quality in areas many miles away from fires. To stay safe, the South Coast Air Quality Management District recommends people start by learning about air quality conditions and forecasts in their area.
Those with an air conditioning system should change filters often, with high-efficiency filters labeled “MERV13” or higher being the most effective at removing smoke particles. Portable HEPA air purifiers also help.
To limit exposure to unhealthy air quality, people should stay indoors with windows and doors closed. Avoid heavy exertion outdoors, using fans or swamp coolers that take air from outside, all wood-burning appliances, and lighting candles and incense.
If you need to be outside in smoky conditions, a respirator mask such as an N-95 or P-100 can offer some protection.
Lastly, know your risks. Some people, such as children and those with heart or lung issues, can be more sensitive to moderate to unhealthy air quality.
How do I safely clean after a wildfire?
When cleaning ash after a wildfire, wear goggles and a snug respirator mask such as an N-95 or P-100. Avoid skin contact with ash by wearing gloves, closed-toe shoes, socks, and long pants and shirts.
Wash ash from pets and outdoor belongings like cars and toys. Mist floors with water and gently sweep or mop, then collect ash in plastic bags and throw it out. Don’t use leaf blowers. Keep water with ash away from storm drains. And clean inside with a vacuum that has disposable filter bags.
This story was reported by The Associated Press.