The most significant air quality impacts are currently being felt near the fires, including in Bend, Oregon, and Kelowna, British Columbia, where air quality sensors have reported unhealthy levels (weather.com, 2026-07-23). While the Midwest and East Coast may experience hazy skies, the smoke is not expected to cause the severe ground-level air quality issues seen during previous events. However, some areas in the northern U.S. could see localized code orange air quality levels, which may pose risks to sensitive groups such as children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory conditions.