Occurred Oct 17, 2026, 5:00:00 PM UTC

First published Oct 18, 2026, 2:57:15 AM UTC · Last updated Oct 18, 2026, 2:57:15 AM UTC

Heavy satellite-observed smoke area centered at 41.305°N, 123.548°W — Near Orleans, CA, United States

NOAA HMS classified the satellite-observed smoke area as heavy density, with GOES-EAST observations from 17:00 to 20:00 UTC on October 17, 2026. The source states this is an observed smoke extent, not a ground-level air-quality measurement or health alert.

Why it matters

The source distinguishes the observed smoke extent from ground-level air quality and health alerts.

Location

Categories: environment-and-climate

Generated scores

Scores are based on the cited reporting and use a 1–10 scale. Read the methodology.

Confidence: 7/10How certain the assessment is based on the clarity and evidence in the cited reporting.
Geographic reach: 1/10How widely the event reaches, from a local area (1) to worldwide impact (10).
Global importance: 3/10The event's broader significance, from limited importance (1) to major global importance (10).
Impact magnitude: 2/10The scale or severity of the real-world impact, from minor (1) to extreme (10).
Positivity: 3/10How harmful or beneficial the event is, from strongly harmful (1) to strongly positive (10).
Urgency: 2/10How time-sensitive the event is, from low urgency (1) to immediate attention needed (10).

Primary official sources

NOAA HMS Smoke Detection Heavy satellite-observed smoke area centered at 41.305°N, 123.548°W — Near Orleans, CA, United StatesNOAA/NESDIS Hazard Mapping System (HMS) Usage terms

Report an issue

Read our editorial process and corrections policy.