Smoke from Pacific Northwest wildfires has pushed air quality across Davis County into the "unhealthy for sensitive groups" range, and the Utah Department of Environmental Quality expects conditions to stay that way through Wednesday, August 5.

The advisory covers Bountiful, Woods Cross, North Salt Lake, and Farmington along with five other Utah counties, ABC4 reported Monday. Residents who hike Mueller Park, bike the Legacy Parkway Trail, or exercise in Bountiful's city parks should check the EPA's AirNow map before heading out and consider postponing strenuous activity until Thursday.

What's causing it

Massive wildfires burning in Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and Wyoming are sending smoke southeast into northern Utah on a northwest flow pattern. KSL meteorologist Matt Johnson posted a video from Salt Lake City on Monday, August 3, showing hazy skies and warning that conditions could linger beyond Wednesday.

@ksl_matt: "This smoke is NOT from central Utah, but has blown in from the Pacific Northwest where massive wildfires rage right now. Because of this current northwest flow pattern, we'll see air quality suffer (at varying degrees) through at least Wednesday, maybe even longer."

The 2026 western wildfire season has burned more than 6 million acres nationally as of Friday, July 31, 165 percent of the 10-year average for this point in the season. Oregon alone has seen 1.7 million acres burn.

Who's most at risk

The EPA defines "unhealthy for sensitive groups" as AQI readings between 101 and 150. Those most vulnerable include:

  • Children and teenagers
  • Older adults
  • People with asthma or other respiratory diseases
  • People with heart disease
  • Pregnant people
  • People with diabetes

At this level, sensitive groups should shorten outdoor activities, take extra breaks, and run air filters indoors. If conditions worsen to "unhealthy for everyone" (AQI 151–200), sensitive groups should move all activity indoors, and all residents should avoid prolonged or intense outdoor exercise.

Masks: only N95s work

Cloth masks and surgical masks do not filter the fine PM2.5 particles in wildfire smoke. Only a properly fitted, NIOSH-approved N95 respirator provides effective protection, according to AirNow.

Indoor alternatives

The South Davis Recreation Center at 550 N 200 W in Bountiful offers an indoor pool, ice rink, indoor track, and fitness areas for residents looking to stay active without breathing smoky air.

Farmers Market timing

The Bountiful City Farmers Market runs every Thursday from 4 to 8 p.m. at Town Square, 75 E 200 S. The next market falls on Thursday, August 6. The DEQ advisory is expected to lift Wednesday, which would put Thursday's market in the clear, but shoppers should check AirNow that morning in case conditions persist.