Experts say Spokane’s summer air quality was the best in years

SPOKANE, Wash.– Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency says that 2024 was the best summer for air quality in the city since 2016.

At least one day failed national air quality standards because of wildfire smoke each of the past eight years. Last month, 4 News Now reported on the possibility that we could make it through the smokiest months of the year without severe wildfire smoke.

In order to count as an unhealthy smoke day, the air quality index must average 100 or higher for 24 hours. The highest average this summer was 82 on August 3rd, 2024. According to Spokane Clean Air, the Pioneer and Swawilla fires were the biggest contributors for wildfire smoke down at ground level this year. Prevailing winds blew much of that smoke away from Spokane during the weeks those fires were active.

Mike Rowe is the air quality monitoring manager at Spokane Clean Air. He says “Overall, we experienced a good summer air quality-wise, compared to the past several years. We know that next year may be a different story altogether.”