Smoke Preparedness
Air Quality
Credit: Hannah Christen
When wildfire smoke is in the air, the air quality can change quickly—sometimes hour by hour. This page explains the Air Quality Index (AQI): what do the numbers mean, where you can find reliable information, and what actions to take as the AQI increases.
The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a scale used to show how healthy or unhealthy the air is. It combines measurements of air pollution into a single number and color.
The EPA establishes an AQI for five major air pollutants regulated by the Clean Air Act:
- ground-level ozone
- particle pollution (also known as particulate matter, including PM2.5 and PM10)
- carbon monoxide
- sulfur dioxide
- nitrogen dioxide
During wildfire season, air quality is mostly affected by particle pollution. The primary concern for human health is fine particulate matter, also known as PM2.5. These tiny particles can enter deep into your lungs when you breathe.
The higher the AQI level, the more pollution is in the air and the greater the potential health risk.
AQI Level
What It Means
Who Should Be Careful
What to Do
0–50
Good
Air quality is considered safe.
No special precautions needed.
Enjoy normal outdoor activities.
51–100
Moderate
Air quality is acceptable, but some people may notice mild symptoms.
People with asthma, children, older adults.
Pay attention to how you feel. Consider shorter or less intense outdoor activity if you’re sensitive to smoke.
101–150
Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups
Smoke levels may affect people who are more vulnerable.
Children, older adults, pregnant people, people with heart or lung disease, outdoor workers.
Reduce time outdoors. Keep windows and doors closed. Wear an N95 or KN95 mask if you need to be outside.
151–200
Unhealthy
Everyone may begin to feel health effects.
Everyone.
Stay indoors with cleaner air when possible. Avoid outdoor activity. Use air cleaners or DIY filters. Wear a mask if you must go outside.
201-300
Very Unhealthy
Health warnings increase for everyone.
Everyone.
Avoid outdoor activity as much as possible. Stay in a cleaner air space. Follow guidance from local health officials. Wear a mask if you must go outside.
301+
Hazardous
Everyone is more likely to be affected.
Everyone.
Avoid outdoor activity as much as possible. Stay in a cleaner air space. Follow guidance from local health officials. Wear a mask if you must go outside.
Where to Check Air Quality
Conditions can vary widely across Chelan and Douglas counties, so it’s important to use reliable, up-to-date sources.
Trusted places to check air quality include:
AirNow.gov – national air quality data and forecasts
AirNow.gov
National Air Quality Data and Forecasts
Washington Smoke Blog
Air Quality Can Change Fast
Wildfire smoke doesn’t behave like typical weather. Wind shifts, fire activity, and topography can all cause sudden changes—especially in river valleys and foothills.
That means:
- A “good” morning can turn smoky by afternoon
- Conditions may be different just a few miles away
- Yesterday’s air quality doesn’t guarantee today’s
Checking regularly helps you stay ahead of changes.
Credit: Hannah Christen
The AQI isn’t about fear—it’s information to help you adjust your timing and choices.
Use it to decide:
- Whether to exercise outdoors or move activity inside
- When to keep kids indoors
- When to wear a protective mask
- When to focus on keeping indoor air as clean as possible
If you feel symptoms, trust your body—even if AQI numbers seem moderate.
Review additional resources for your health during smoke and wildfire events:
- During, Health, Preparedness
- Family, Homeowner, Renter, Visitor
- During, Health
- Family, Homeowner, Landowner, Renter, Visitor
