Air quality advisory issued for Eastern Oregon

By on Monday, July 15th, 2024 in Columbia Basin News Eastern/Southeast Oregon News More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News

EASTERN OREGON — (Release from the DEQ)

QUICK FACTS

Baker, Grant, Morrow, Northern Harney County, Northern Malheur, and Umatilla counties

End date: Wednesday afternoon, July 17

Smoke source: Fires in Oregon

** Información en español próximamente **

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality issued an air quality advisory Monday, July 15, for the following areas due to smoke from fires in Oregon:

  • Baker County
  • Grant County
  • Morrow County
  • Umatilla County

DEQ also extended the advisory for:

  • Northern Harney County
  • Northern Malheur County

DEQ expects the air quality advisory to last until at least Wednesday afternoon, July 17. DEQ and partner agencies will continue to monitor smoke in the area.

DEQ also expects intermittent smoke in Union and Wallowa counties. Air quality may improve Monday and Tuesday during the day, but smoke is likely to return overnight.

Smoke levels can change rapidly depending on weather. Check current conditions on the Oregon Smoke Information Blog, DEQ’s Air Quality Index, or by downloading the free OregonAIR app on your smartphone.

Smoke can irritate the eyes and lungs and worsen some medical conditions. People most at risk include infants and young children, people with heart or lung disease, older adults and pregnant people.

Protect yourself and your family when smoke levels are high:

  • Stay inside if possible. Keep windows and doors closed. If it’s too hot, run air conditioning on recirculate or consider moving to a cooler location.
  • Avoid strenuous outdoor activity.
  • Use high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters in indoor ventilation systems or portable air purifiers. Or create your own air purifying filter by following these instructions.
  • Be aware of smoke in your area and avoid places with the highest levels.
  • When air quality improves to moderate or healthy (yellow or green on the Air Quality Index), open windows and doors to air out homes and businesses.
  • If you have a breathing plan for a medical condition, be sure to follow it and keep any needed medications refilled.

Cloth, dust and surgical masks don’t protect from the harmful particles in smoke. N95 or P100 respirators approved by NIOSH may offer protection, but they must be properly selected and worn. Select a NIOSH-approved respirator with a N, R or P alongside the number 95, 99 or 100. Learn how to put on and use a respirator. Respirators won’t work for children as they don’t come in children’s sizes. People with heart or lung conditions should consult their health care provider before wearing a respirator.

Additional resources:

Elkhorn Media Group