Wildfire Smoke Returns, Darkening Skies Across Southern States

WHO:

The Washington Post - Dozens of uncontained fires are burning across Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia.

WHAT:

The Washington Post - Wildfire smoke is filling skies as far south as Florida.

The Washington Post - The smoke will waft across a 2,500-mile path.

WHERE:

The Washington Post - The smoke is affecting areas in the Plains, Midwest, and East, as well as Florida.

WHEN:

The Washington Post - The smoke event is occurring in the summer of 2026.

WHY:

The Washington Post - The return of wildfire smoke is due to ongoing uncontained fires in the western regions of the United States and Canada.

HOW:

The Washington Post - Smoke is traveling across a 2,500-mile path from the source of the fires.

(UPDATED July 27, 2026 22:27 UTC)

Dozens of uncontained fires are currently raging across Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia, leading to significant wildfire smoke that is affecting air quality far beyond the West Coast. This smoke is traveling across a 2,500-mile path, impacting areas in the Plains, Midwest, East, and even reaching as far south as Florida. The return of this smoke event is attributed to the ongoing fires in the western regions of the United States and Canada, and it is expected to continue throughout the summer of 2026.