Smoke Creates Dangerously Hazardous Air Quality in California

CALIFORNIA - Wildfires in the western U.S. continue to burn, impacting air quality across much of the country. The Garnet Fire, which began in the Sierra National Forest on August 24, 2025, has prompted a partial forest closure near the fire.

According to the Fresno County Sheriff's Department, some evacuation orders are in effect in the area. The fire has now burned over 56,000+ acres and is approximately 15% contained as of Wednesday evening.

As of Thursday morning, the air quality is in the moderate range from the Garnet Fire. While the Dense Smoke alerts have expired, limit your time outside until the levels continue to drop off!

Northwest

Fires burning in the Northwest and in British Columbia, Canada, have worsened air quality across the region and, over the last few days, even reached the central U.S. If you’ve noticed hazy skies, the smoke from these wildfires is the cause.

Air quality across the major population centers of the Northwest have improved as of Thursday morning, but dense smoke continues to lurk and could quickly turn the air unhealthy in these areas.

For more on poor air quality and wildfire danger out west, join us on WeatherNation at :50 past the hour for your West regional forecast.