Happy July!
This summer, the Air Quality Program is transitioning over to a new email platform to send Wildfire Smoke Air Quality Updates. Going forward, if you’re signed up email updates, they will come from [email protected]. To subscribe, email [email protected].
And for the fun of it, here’s an update to get us started for this season! Now is a great time to prepare for wildfire smoke and know what actions you will take when smoke rolls in.
Wildfire Smoke Air Quality Update: July 10, 2026 at 11:35 a.m.
The current air quality across Missoula County is Good to Moderate. This fire season is quickly gaining speed – there are already several fires burning across the west and Canada. For air quality in Missoula County, there are two fires of concern located in Oregon. The Anthony Fire and Salmon Fire outside of Baker City are both sending up a decent smoke plume. The Anthony Fire is under a full suppression response because of its location which means the smoke impacts this summer should be shorter-lived.
The NOAA DESI smoke forecast shows light smoke over Missoula this afternoon and into Saturday morning.
Light overhead winds are transporting the smoke from the Anthony and Salmon fires towards western Montana. If we see smoke from these fires, it will likely show up later this afternoon and into this evening. By Saturday, transport winds do us a favor and send the smoke southwest instead of northwest. As our valley warms Saturday morning, any smoke that has settled will lift and mix with the atmosphere. It is unlikely we will see smoke on Saturday or Sunday from any existing fires, but there’s always the possibility of a new start. Additionally, with the direction of transport winds shifting southwest, smoke from the Brunswick Fire Complex in Canada (northeast of Vancouver) has potential to send smoke here. We’ve been pretty lucky to miss most of the Canadian wildfire smoke so far this year.
To be prepared for this fire season and changing conditions, familiarize yourself with the EPA Fire & Smoke Map. The Air Quality Index is a color coordinated scale to aid in understanding the amount of smoke or air pollution in the air. At each air quality index level, there are recommendations on actions that you can take to reduce your exposure to smoke and stay healthy.
For example, when air quality is Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups, “sensitive populations” (which in my opinion is most of us…!), should reduce our time spent outdoors and the intensity of those activities. Although it’s okay to be outside, make sure to keep tabs on how you’re feeling. Check out this handy Air Quality Guide for Particle Pollution. When you start feeling the health impacts of smoke (think headaches, shortness of breath, coughing/wheezing, sore throat, itchy eyes, more here), take action to reduce your exposure by either going inside to a place with cleaned air or maybe don an N95 mask. Read more about how you can limit your exposure to smoke and protect your health at montanawildfiresmoke.org.
With the minimal smoke in the forecast this weekend, it’s a great one to enjoy our beautiful Montana summer! Mushu, our air quali-kitty is ready to adventure it out there!