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
Enhanced Risk of Severe Thunderstorms Today

Enhanced Risk of Severe Thunderstorms Today

Near record-breaking heat has helped to incre

15 May 2026 8:10 PM
Severe to Snow for the Rockies and Front Range

Severe to Snow for the Rockies and Front Range

Welcome to May in Colorado. This weekend fore

15 May 2026 7:51 PM
Widespread Significant Severe Weather Possible Sunday and Monday

Widespread Significant Severe Weather Possible Sunday and Monday

On the heels of severe thunderstorm activity

15 May 2026 7:15 PM
Sweltering Temperatures Slide Eastward This Weekend

Sweltering Temperatures Slide Eastward This Weekend

It's been one or the other for a little while

15 May 2026 6:45 PM
Hurricane Season Begins in the Eastern Pacific, Atlantic Soon To Follow

Hurricane Season Begins in the Eastern Pacific, Atlantic Soon To Follow

Ready for hurricane season? As a reminder, wa

15 May 2026 6:00 PM
Stormy and Wet Weather Continues for the Northeast

Stormy and Wet Weather Continues for the Northeast

A low-pressure system will linger in New Engl

14 May 2026 8:00 PM
Heat & Front Fuels Thunderstorms In The Northwest

Heat & Front Fuels Thunderstorms In The Northwest

WHAT TO EXPECTThe SPC has issued a slight ris

13 May 2026 9:25 PM