This summer, the Air Quality Program is transitioning to a new email platform to send Wildfire Smoke Air Quality Updates. Going forward, if you are signed up for email updates, they will come from donotreply@mailer.missoulacounty.gov. To subscribe, email airquality@missoulacounty.us.
And for the fun of it, here is an update to get us started for this season. Now is a good 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 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.
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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 toward 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 are expected to send the smoke southwest instead of northwest. As the valley warms Saturday morning, any smoke that has settled will lift and mix with the atmosphere. It is unlikely Missoula County will see smoke on Saturday or Sunday from existing fires, but there is a 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 the potential to reach the area. Missoula County has largely missed Canadian wildfire smoke so far this year.
To prepare 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 help understand the amount of smoke or air pollution in the air. At each air quality index level, there are recommendations on actions you can take to reduce your exposure to smoke and stay healthy.
For example, when air quality is Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups, “sensitive populations” should reduce their time spent outdoors and the intensity of those activities. Although it is OK to be outside, make sure to keep tabs on how you are feeling. For more information, see the Air Quality Guide for Particle Pollution. When you start feeling the health impacts of smoke such as headaches, shortness of breath, coughing or wheezing, sore throat, or itchy eyes, take action to reduce your exposure by going inside to a place with cleaned air or by wearing an N95 mask. Read more about how you can limit your exposure to smoke and protect your health at montanawildfiresmoke.org.
