Spokane launches Smoke Ready Week June 1–5

Spokane Clean Air and the Spokane Regional Health District began Smoke Ready Week on Sunday, June 1, with a five-day public information campaign on how residents can prepare for wildfire smoke before heavier summer smoke arrives. The Spokane agencies said the campaign runs through June 5 and includes daily tips and resources on health risks, indoor air protection and supplies. Lane County’s air agency in Oregon issued a similar message this week, urging residents to get ready now rather than wait for air quality to worsen. ### Which Spokane agencies are running the June 1–5 campaign? The Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency and Spokane Regional Health District said in separate May 29 postings that they are joining other Pacific Northwest agencies to promote smoke preparedness during Smoke Ready Week, June 1–5. KHQ reported the Spokane campaign on June 1, citing the same dates and daily topic schedule. (spokanecleanair.org) Smoke Ready Spokane, a regional public-information site tied to the effort, also posted a 2026 Smoke Ready Week update saying the week would focus on understanding smoke exposure, identifying people most at risk and preparing for summer wildfire smoke. ### What are people being told to do before smoke arrives? Spokane Clean Air said residents should use the week to learn how to reduce smoke exposure before wildfire season intensifies. (spokanecleanair.org) The agency’s materials direct people to prepare a cleaner indoor space, understand local air-quality information and gather supplies that may be needed during smoke events. The Spokane Regional Health District said the campaign is aimed at helping people prepare for “summer’s potential wildfire smoke.” Its notice points residents to daily tips and resources rather than a single advisory, reflecting a step-by-step format spread across the five days. (smokereadyspokane.org) ### What does the daily schedule cover? KHQ reported that the June 1–5 Spokane schedule breaks the week into daily topics. (spokanecleanair.org) The station said the themes include smoke impacts, who is most vulnerable, how to create cleaner indoor air, what supplies to keep on hand and how to monitor conditions. A separate June 1 report from My Bellingham Now, describing the broader regional Smoke Ready Week campaign, said each day has a different focus ranging from smoke impacts to keeping needed supplies on hand in case people need to stay inside or change plans. (srhd.org) ### Who is considered most at risk from wildfire smoke? Smoke Ready Spokane said one part of the week is devoted to explaining who is most vulnerable to wildfire smoke. (khq.com) LRAPA in Lane County said families with young children and people with breathing problems should prepare before smoke arrives. Lane County’s wildfire smoke information page says residents should familiarize themselves with health information and local resources before fire season. (mybellinghamnow.com) That page links wildfire smoke preparation to public-health guidance and indoor air protection measures. ### Why did Lane County issue a similar notice at the same time? LRAPA said on June 2 that outdoor burning in Lane County is now closed and wildfire season is approaching, prompting the agency to tell residents to prepare now for smoke and protect their health before it arrives. (smokereadyspokane.org) Public affairs manager Matt Sorensen said, “Wildfire smoke is part of Oregon summers now, so preparing before it’s here matters,” according to KVAL’s report. (lrapa-or.gov) KEZI reported on June 1 that LRAPA launched its own Wildfire Smoke Ready Week for June 1–5, mirroring the timing of the Spokane campaign. ### Where are the updates and next steps? June 5 is the last scheduled day of Smoke Ready Week in Spokane and Lane County, according to Spokane Clean Air, Spokane Regional Health District and LRAPA notices. (kval.com) Spokane agencies are posting materials through Smoke Ready Spokane and their own websites, while LRAPA is directing residents to its wildfire smoke resources page and local health information. (spokanecleanair.org) (kezi.com)