Friday, 7 August 2026, 5:16
Wildfire smoke from the Pacific Northwest has created hazardous air quality conditions, forcing athletes across the region to swap outdoor training for indoor sessions. The disruption is a reminder of how quickly smoke can upend daily routines and of the precautions everyone should take when the air turns unhealthy.
Smoke from wildfires burning across the Pacific Northwest has created hazardous air quality conditions that are upending outdoor routines. In Kennewick, Washington, local gyms are filling up as running trails empty and high school athletic practices are called off. Mission Accomplish Fitness, a Kennewick gym, has seen a surge in clients looking to keep training while avoiding the smoky air.
Joe Thornton, owner of Total Impact Athletics, coaches high school athletes and leads speed training for Pasco High School's soccer team. He said the indoor shift has become necessary for many clients. "A lot of athletes, a lot of my clients in particular, we've been moving indoors," Thornton said. "If not, they are canceling practices because of the air quality."
The health effects of exercising in smoky air vary. Some athletes with asthma are using their albuterol pumps more frequently; others report headaches or coughing. Some experience no side effects at all. Thornton advises keeping all physical training indoors while the Air Quality Index remains above 150, noting that outdoor exertion at that level carries significant health risks.
"If you like to run and like to go outdoors, this is not the perfect conditions," Thornton said. "But if you want to change it up and still stay consistent with your goals, moving indoors is probably the best thing you need to do right now."
Proper hydration is crucial for anyone training indoors during a smoke event. "I do recommend people stay hydrated through this time, make sure you're drinking plenty of fluids, plenty of water," Thornton said. "If you are experiencing headaches and stuff like that, take it easy in the gym or take it easy outdoors."
The poor air quality has also forced many public swimming pools to close temporarily, limiting summer recreation options and leaving residents with fewer safe outdoor activities.
For readers in Apple Valley and across California, this story is a familiar reminder of wildfire season's reach. Smoke from distant fires frequently drifts into the state, triggering air quality alerts and disrupting outdoor plans. As 5NEWS noted, wildfire smoke traveling from another part of the country is not uncommon. The same precautions apply here: check local AQI readings, move workouts indoors, and keep hydration a priority when smoke is present.
California has seen devastating wildfire seasons in recent years, with smoke blanketing cities and forcing school sports programs to adapt. Public health agencies have increasingly emphasized the dangers of exercising in smoky air, especially for children, seniors, and people with respiratory conditions. The AQI threshold of 150 aligns with general air quality guidance that labels this level unhealthy for sensitive groups.
When wildfire smoke degrades air quality, the safest move is to bring workouts indoors. Stay hydrated, watch for headaches, coughing, or asthma flare-ups, and always check local air quality reports before exercising outside. Conditions can change quickly, and a return to outdoor training should wait until the AQI drops to safer levels.
