Wildfires Cover Pacific Northwest Mountains in Heavy Haze

During the summer of 2026, crew members on the International Space Station took photos of Earth. Their pictures showed thick wildfire smoke around high mountains in the Cascade Range. The photos revealed that smoke covered major mountains between late July and early August.

Near Mount Hood in Oregon, a large fire started after lightning hit on July 23. Because the weather was hot and dry, the fire spread quickly across forest land. Local officials asked people in nearby areas to leave their homes for safety.

Farther north, Mount Rainier was also covered in heavy smoke. Strong winds carried smoke from distant areas, which made the air inside the national park unhealthy. Weather experts warn that dry plant life and warm weather could cause more fires during August.

What steps can local governments take to help people during severe wildfire seasons?