Home / Weather / Wildfire Smoke Sparks Air Quality Alerts Across Western US
Wildfire Smoke Sparks Air Quality Alerts Across Western US
15 Aug
Summary
- Thousands told to stop burning due to air pollution concerns
- Sensitive groups warned of health risks from poor air quality
- Burning restrictions in effect in Idaho, Washington, and Colorado
As of August 15, 2025, thousands of people across the western United States have been instructed to stop burning amid concerns over hazardous air pollution levels. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a series of air quality alerts for parts of Idaho, Washington, and Colorado, warning that ground-level ozone and particulate matter concentrations are forecast to reach dangerous levels due to drifting wildfire smoke.
The NWS has cautioned that sensitive groups, including children, seniors, and individuals with preexisting respiratory or heart conditions, may experience adverse health effects linked to the poor air quality in the affected regions. Authorities have advised these vulnerable populations to avoid prolonged or strenuous outdoor activity during the advisory period.
In response to the air quality concerns, state environmental agencies have implemented burning restrictions. The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality has prohibited open burning, while the Olympic Region Clean Air Agency in Washington and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment have also issued similar advisories urging residents to limit their exposure to the smoky conditions.
