What is Smoke Ready Spokane?

Why Now?

While our region has long experienced seasonal fires, wildfire smoke is becoming an annual event in Spokane. Just as we prepare for heavy snow in the winter, we can plan to have materials, information, and tools on hand for ourselves and family members to keep us safe when smoke changes our air quality. 

While smoke may be visible in the sky it doesn’t always reach ground level where it directly affects the air we breathe and where pollution levels are monitored. As a result, visibility may be reduced even when pollution readings aren't particularly high.

Wildfire smoke varies each year, but being prepared is key. Start by understanding the risks of smoke exposure, who is most vulnerable, and how you can protect your health.

Understanding the Health Impacts of Wildfire Smoke in Spokane

Wildfire smoke contains a wide range of harmful pollutants, but fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is considered the most dangerous to human health. These tiny particles can travel deep into the lungs, triggering health problems that range from mild respiratory irritation to serious medical conditions. Even brief exposure to wildfire smoke can increase the risk of asthma attacks, heart issues, and strokes. Over time, long-term exposure has been linked to chronic illnesses, certain cancers, and a greater risk of early death.

The effects of smoke exposure aren’t always immediate—health issues can continue for several days after the smoke has cleared. Research also suggests that PM2.5 from wildfires may be more toxic than similar particles from other pollution sources. Certain groups are more vulnerable to these health effects, including young children, seniors, pregnant individuals, and people with existing heart or lung conditions. Those who work outdoors and individuals from low-income communities often face higher levels of exposure as well.

Residents of Spokane and Spokane Valley are particularly affected by this issue. The region has been identified as one of the most impacted areas in Washington State when it comes to air pollution, including PM2.5 from wildfire smoke. Since 2014, there has been a dramatic rise—over 350%—in the number of days each year when air quality exceeds the “moderate” level. In years when pollution levels surpass federal air quality standards, wildfires are a major contributor. Overall, poor air quality from all sources is linked to an estimated 65 annual deaths among residents aged 18–84, and about 14 additional deaths per year among those aged 85 and older in the Spokane area.

This content is adapted from the 2025 report, Building a Smoke-Resilient Spokane: Guidance from Community Conversations

About Smoke Ready Spokane

In spring 2024, the Climate Institute was awarded a three-year, $1.1 million grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to launch Smoke Ready Spokane, a community-focused initiative aimed at reducing indoor exposure to wildfire smoke in the City of Spokane.

The initiative brings together key partners such as the City of Spokane, the Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency, and the University of Washington. Funding will support public health outreach, air quality monitoring, HVAC system improvements, and collaborative development of building-specific and community-wide smoke readiness plans. The project prioritizes support for community centers that serve historically under-resourced populations, including the Northeast Community Center, Martin Luther King, Jr. Family Outreach Center, and West Central Community Center.

You can learn more about Smoke Ready Spokane project at The Gonzaga Climate Institute.

Project Funding

This project has been funded wholly or in part by the United States Environmental Protection Agency under assistance agreement 84075201 (Wildfire Smoke Preparedness in Community Buildings Grant Program) to the Corporation of Gonzaga University. The contents of this website do not necessarily reflect the views and policies of the Environmental Protection Agency, nor does the EPA endorse trade names or recommend the use of commercial products mentioned in this document.