The cities of Seattle and Kirkland in Washington are experiencing a decline in air quality due to ongoing local and regional wildfires.
Air quality is reaching unhealthy levels in parts of Seattle pic.twitter.com/W1HFFGCR6D
— Seattle Weather Blog (@KSeattleWeather) September 6, 2025
Current Air Quality Levels
Air quality continues to lower this evening in Puget Sound. Moderate, to intermittent periods of Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups to Unhealthy air quality can be expected into Saturday for portions of Puget Sound (from @pscleanair). More info at: https://t.co/wQB12OJ7HK. #WAwx pic.twitter.com/21eMQBOUeX
— NWS Seattle (@NWSSeattle) September 6, 2025
Seattle currently has moderate air quality, while Kirkland is also showing similar conditions.
The Wildcat Fire, burning 30 miles northwest of Naches in the William O. Douglas Wilderness area of the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, is one of the main contributors. The fire, now over 6,500 acres, is creating very unhealthy to hazardous conditions in nearby areas, including Mount Rainier National Park.
Authorities have closed several popular trails, including:
- Naches Peak Loop Trail (and Pacific Crest Trail south to Laughingwater Creek / Three Lakes Trail)
- Shriner Peak Trail
- Southern access to the Deer Creek Trailhead and Owyhigh Lakes Trailhead via Highway 123
In addition, Highway 123 is shut down between Cayuse Pass and Stevens Canyon Road.
Other Fires Worsening Conditions
On the west side of Washington, the Bear Gulch Fire has burned 10,000 acres, forcing closures of Lake Cushman’s northern half along with Staircase trailheads and campgrounds in the Olympic National Forest and National Park.
Air quality south of the fire has been reported as unhealthy.
Residents React to Poor Air Quality
Many people in Seattle and Kirkland have shared their frustrations online.
I’m smelling it, are you?
Air quality has been deteriorating today with some of the haziest Seattle skies of the year. Stay healthy and take breaks in indoor spaces when the air is bad. #wawx #Seattle pic.twitter.com/84jRNUSUxj— George Waldenberger (@GWaldenWeather) September 6, 2025
Sunday I’m off to hike the #WonderlandTrail. Well, not all of it. Just 54 miles in 6 days with #MountainMadness Guide service leading the way.
It’s going to rain, air quality will be poor but there are nine of us to keep morale up.
👍
— Seattle-Wayne (@seattle_wayne) September 5, 2025
