Western Fires Causing Air Quality Concerns

news image
Special Stories
3 Aug 2018 5:20 AM
Smoke from wildfires burning across the West stretches far from its sources, with smoke and haze reaching into Canada and well into the central United States. As smoke fills the sky from the intense wildfires burning across parts of the West, air quality alerts are being issued. The Ferguson Fire west of Yosemite National Park is producing dangerous air quality for parts central California, per the National Weather Service. And this is not only area being impacted by poor air quality due to fires. Much of southern Oregon is dealing with these concerns, with air quality alerts likely lingering as long as fires persist. Pollutants in smoke can cause burning eyes, runny nose, aggravate heart and lung diseases, as well as aggravate other serious health problems. For these reasons, people should limit outdoor activities and keep children indoors if it is smoky. And smoke from these fires stretches far from it's sources, with smoke and haze reaching into Canada and well into the central United States. For WeatherNation, I am Meteorologist Marcus Walter.
All Weather News
More
Flooding & Severe Storms Target the Southwest

Flooding & Severe Storms Target the Southwest

A strong trough of low pressure is moving ons

22 Oct 2026 12:35 PM
Warmer Than Average: Above-Normal Temperatures Across the Central U.S. This Week

Warmer Than Average: Above-Normal Temperatures Across the Central U.S. This Week

WHAT TO EXPECTA ridge of high pressure will b

22 Oct 2026 12:30 PM
Sub-Tropical Josephine Becomes Tenth Atlantic Named Storm

Sub-Tropical Josephine Becomes Tenth Atlantic Named Storm

SETUPAn upper-level low broke off from the fl

22 Oct 2026 1:40 AM
Several Fires Break Out in SoCal Last Week Amid Santa Ana Wind Event

Several Fires Break Out in SoCal Last Week Amid Santa Ana Wind Event

Santa Ana winds helped several fires grow qui

19 Oct 2026 1:25 PM
Another Cold Morning Before Things Warm Back Up

Another Cold Morning Before Things Warm Back Up

Across portions of the Ohio Valley through th

19 Oct 2026 10:15 AM
Severe Risk Diminishing Saturday Morning for the Northeast

Severe Risk Diminishing Saturday Morning for the Northeast

Severe Storm PotentialSevere risk is decreasi

16 Oct 2026 10:20 AM
Flooding & Severe Storms Persist in the Southern Plains

Flooding & Severe Storms Persist in the Southern Plains

Extreme rainfall has been hitting areas of Te

16 Oct 2026 2:00 AM