Sept. 16, 2026. Reno/Sparks, Nev. – Northern Nevada Public Health’s (NNPH) Air Quality Management Division (AQMD) has issued an Air Quality Advisory for the Reno-Sparks area due to smoke from regional wildfires, including the Floriston and Dome fires, until further notice.
The Air Quality Index (AQI) is expected to reach the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (USG) to Unhealthy range for PM2.5 in the Verdi and North Valleys areas this afternoon into Thursday morning due to the Floriston Fire, based on air quality models and sensors (Learn more about AQI Ranges).
AQI in Eastern Sparks and Spanish Springs may reach the Moderate to USG this afternoon and into Thursday morning due to the Dome Fire, based on air quality models and sensors.
The areas most impacted are close to, and downwind of, the wildfires.
Air quality can change quickly based on the wind and how active the fire becomes. Residents are encouraged to visit the AirNow.gov Fire and Smoke Map, or download the AirNow.gov app, to get the latest air quality updates to protect their health, especially those with respiratory health issues.
Sensitive groups – which include children, older adults, outdoor workers, and those with asthma or other lung diseases – should limit outdoor exposure when the AQI reaches USG (101-150 AQI). People with asthma should follow your asthma action plan and keep quick-relief medicine handy.
Everyone else should consider making outdoor activities shorter and less intense.
NNPH’s Be Smoke Smart program offers residents details and information on how to protect yourself when wildfire smoke is present in the air we breathe. Learn more on our website.
For more information on NNPH’s Air Quality Management Division, visit OurCleanAir.com.
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Northern Nevada Public Health (NNPH) is nationally accredited by thePublic Health Accreditation Board and has jurisdiction over all public health matters in Reno, Sparks, and Washoe County through the policy-making District Board of Health. NNPH consists of four public-facing divisions: Air Quality Management, Community and Clinical Health Services, Environmental Health Services, and Population Health. More info can be found here.