Wildland Fire Smoke

 

Left image
The Longmire meadow along the Trail of the Shadows on July 13, 2018.
Credit: NPS Photo

Right image
The Longmire meadow obscured by haze on August 14, 2018.
Credit: NPS Photo

Fire near and far can impact the park. Slide the arrows either direction to see how haze from wildfire smoke affects visibility and air quality.

 

What You Should Know

In recent years, Mount Rainier National Park has been experiencing episodes of high particulate matter (PM2.5) pollution, primarily from local and regional wildfire and campfire smoke. PM2.5 refers to fine particles that are 2.5 micrometers in diameter or smaller (particles of ash and other material) which can deteriorate air quality, have negative health effects, and reduce visibility.

Pollution monitors at Paradise, Longmire, and Ohanapecosh record hourly data that is accessible online. Monitoring air quality parameters such as PM2.5 is a part of the park's involvement in the National Park Service’s comprehensive air resources management program. Learn more about smoke's impact on your health and your experience at the park.

Particulate Matter (PM) Effects on Health

Both long- and short-term exposure to particle pollution from wildfire smoke can affect your health:

• Short-term exposure (even hours or days) can trigger asthma, aggravate bronchitis, or increase susceptibility to infection.

• For people with heart conditions, smoke has been linked to heart attacks and other cardiac events.

• Your risk increases with physical activity and the amount of time spent outside during smoky conditions.

• If you’re planning a strenuous hike or long outdoor outing during a smoky period, consider delaying or adjusting your plans.

• To learn more on how particle pollution affects your health, see NPS Human Health & Air.

Tips on Recreating Outdoors in Smoky Conditions

Even if the smoke isn’t local, its effects on your health are real. As a general guide, if the AQI (Air Quality Index) is above 100, you may want to reduce outdoor activity, especially strenuous hikes or prolonged exposure.If you’re sensitive to air pollution, or planning high-exertion activities, take the following precautions when smoke is present:

• Stay indoors as much as possible, especially if you have asthma or other respiratory or heart conditions.

• Avoid physical exertion during smoky periods.

• Keep windows and vents closed in vehicles and lodgings; use fans or air conditioning (A/C) to recirculate air.

• Hydrate, rest, and eat well to support your body’s defenses.

• Take medications as prescribed and consult a healthcare provider if symptoms worsen.

For ways to cope with smoke conditions, check out this factsheet provided by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) via Air Now.

 

See for Yourself: Live Webcams Around the Park

Before you lace up your boots or plan a scenic drive, take a moment to check current conditions via Mount Rainier’s live webcams. These real-time feeds give you a direct look at the sky: haze, smoke, clouds, or clear and can help you decide where to go or what to expect. By checking webcams before your visit, you can choose trails with better visibility, avoid low-lying smoke conditions, and enjoy peace of mind.

 

Air Quality

Monitors the air quality over the Nisqually Valley from Paradise. Note that ozone and weather measurements are from the weather station at Paradise; visibility readings are from the weather station at Tahoma Woods, near Ashford, WA.

View Webcam

 

Check the Smoke Forecast

 

Smoky conditions in the Ohanapecosh Valley is routinely common due to heat inversions.

NPS Photo

Where Smoke Comes From

Smoke may be generated by:

• Active wildland fires or campfires inside the park.

• Significant fires outside the park — even when there are no fires burning within the park itself, smoke from the region can drift into the park. This is especially common in late summer and early fall when wildfire activity peaks across the American West.

• Prescribed fires in the region (not common within Mount Rainier National Park).

• Learn more about Air Quality by visiting Park Air Profiles.

• Learn more on how smoke is measured by visiting the NPS smoke monitoring program.

Ohanapecosh: A Smoke-Prone Valley

• The Ohanapecosh area, nestled in a forested valley in the southeast corner of the park, is particularly prone to smoke accumulation. Due to natural inversion conditions — where cool air traps smoke near the ground — this area can experience reduced air quality even when skies above are clear. The air quality can be especially compounded by campfire activity at the Ohanapecosh Campground.

• Visitors may notice light haze in the early morning or evening hours, especially during nearby fires or low-wind conditions.

 

Where to Get Air Quality Information

Areas within Mount Rainier National Park

• Current air and weather data

• Air Quality Forecasts offers projected conditions and an option to sign up for local air quality notifications. Check forecasts against real-time data in case projections are incorrect or misleading.

Areas surrounding Mount Rainier National Park

• AirNow Fire and Smoke Map offers real-time smoke information showing all types of PM2.5 sensors deployed in the region.

• InciWeb is an interagency map that shows fire information, as well as other incidents.

• Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest

• Gifford-Pinchot National Forest

Washington State

Washington state guidance uses similar tools and thresholds to monitor smoke and support outdoor safety.

• Washington Air Quality Monitoring Map

• Washington Smoke Blog