Washington State Endures Severe Wildfire Season; Smoke Prompts Air Quality Advisory in Bay Area

Washington state is experiencing one of its most severe wildfire seasons in years, with numerous active fires, including the 0% contained Ptarmigan Fire (17,278.5 acres) and the 20% contained Sinlahekin Fire (126,168.1 acres). Smoke from these Pacific Northwest wildfires is drifting into the Bay Area, leading to an Air Quality Advisory through Thursday, August 6, 2026. The advisory warns of potential unhealthy air quality for sensitive groups due to ground-level ozone.