WEST SEATTLE SKY: Wildfire smoke returns, as National Weather Service issues Air Quality Alert

11:49 AM: If you hadn’t already noticed the distinct tinge to the sunlight, the disappearance of the Olympics is another telltale clue that wildfire smoke is back. That was our view looking west from Emma Schmitz Memorial Overlook (4500 block of Beach Drive SW) at 10:30 am. For now, the surface air quality here is still OK, but not for long; the National Weather Service has issued an Air Quality Alert, to be in effect from noon today until 5 pm Wednesday. The alert warns, “Air quality conditions are expected to worsen throughout the day today as smoke begins to mix down to the surface.”

2:01 PM: We’re told one block in Arbor Heights has canceled its Night Out party “out of an abundance of caution” given the smoke forecast.

Sam August 3, 2026 (12:11 pm)

Are you aware of any local organizations who are doing food or supply drives for those affected by wildfires? Sorry if I missed a post on it already.

WS resident August 3, 2026 (12:55 pm)

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I am also interested in local donation drives of toiletries and non-perishable foods for wildfire victims.
- Brandon August 3, 2026 (1:48 pm)
  
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  Komo news has a story on its website discussing organizations.
B August 3, 2026 (1:21 pm)

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Several breweries are collecting items! https://washingtonbeerblog.com/westside-breweries-stepping-immediate-wildfire-assistance/
- WS resident August 3, 2026 (2:28 pm)
  
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  Thanks for the link. I see The Beer Junction is a drop off location. Short donation window 8/3 to 8/5.
KT August 3, 2026 (4:19 pm)

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The red cross in Spokane taking online donations. Quickest way to get the help they need. Also no one has to drive across state to deliver items. https://www.redcross.org/donate/dr/washington-wildfires-2026.html/
Sam August 3, 2026 (9:19 pm)

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Thanks all!!

Ts August 3, 2026 (12:51 pm)

Anybody know what website to go to too see the air quality stations in ws? I can only see across the river. Also how to get one. Air quality was showing as good in Seattle at 10:00 but on Delridge I could feel it in my lungs and throat as I am part of a sensitive population

WSB August 3, 2026 (1:08 pm)

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Linked above in the story is the Puget Sound Clean Air map with multiple WS sensors listed (just zoom in and click any dot) – I always link that one, though I know some readers have other preferences. If for some reason you’re not seeing it, this is the link:
https://map.pscleanair.gov/?lat=47.6768311&lon=-122.4756425&z=9&v=0
Ferns August 3, 2026 (2:27 pm)

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The purple air quality stations around my neighborhood are all saying the air quality is good, but that there could be some moderate levels of larger particulates. However, the smell of smoke is very apparent outside and seems to be getting inside my home too. It’s disappointing when the sensors say that everything is OK outside but “clearly” isn’t.
Ferns August 3, 2026 (2:31 pm)

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Try purple air to purchase a meter and see nearby readings … https://www.purpleair.com/it’s already stinging my eyes… I guess I fall into the extra sensitive population.
Jayemme August 4, 2026 (3:37 pm)

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We purchased a purple air outdoor sensor 4 years ago and there are a handful in and around West Seattle. Our monitor currently shows “moderate” around 3:30pm on Aug. 4 and is one of the few in Admiral (it’s the one off California Ave shown in the photo).https://www.purpleair.com/store We also prefer the same site that WSB linked for the hyper local readings: https://map.pscleanair.org/?lat=47.57458597&lon=-122.38636494&z=16&v=0Other sites I’ve referenced are the WA state ecology site: https://airqualitymap.ecology.wa.gov/#ForecastThe Washington smoke blog: https://wasmoke.blogspot.com/?m=1and https://www.airnow.gov/?city=Seattle&state=WA&country=USA