Air quality advisory for Northeastern Oregon, Central Columbia River Gorge and Lane County

By on Monday, August 2nd, 2021 in Columbia Basin News Columbia Basin Top Stories Eastern/Southeast Oregon News Eastern/Southeast Oregon Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News Northeastern Oregon Top Stories

NORTHEAST OREGON – (Release from DEQ) Location: Wallowa, Baker, Union, Umatilla counties and parts of Morrow, Sherman, Gilliam, Wasco and Lane counties.
End date: Thursday, Aug. 5 evening.
Smoke sources: Fires in Washington, Canada and Idaho are affecting Northeastern Oregon and the Central Columbia River Gorge. The Middle Fork Complex and other fires near Oakridge are affecting Lane County.

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality issued an air quality advisory Monday for Northeastern Oregon and the Central Columbia River Gorge due to smoke from fires in Washington, Idaho and Canada. The Lane Regional Air Protection Agency also issued an advisory Monday for Eastern Lane County due to smoke from fires near Oakridge.

** Información en español **

Counties under advisory include Wallowa, Baker, Union, Umatilla, Morrow, Sherman, Gilliam, Wasco and Lane counties.

DEQ expects the air quality advisory to last until Thursday evening. DEQ and partner agencies will continue to monitor smoke in these areas.

Health officials advise people to refill inhalers and air out homes and businesses when smoke levels improve to moderate or healthy (yellow or green on the Air Quality Index).

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 women.

Protect yourself and your family when smoke levels are high:

  • Stay inside if possible. Keep windows and doors closed.
  • Avoid strenuous outdoor activity.
  • Use high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters in indoor ventilation systems or portable air purifies. 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.
  • If you have heart or lung disease or asthma, follow your healthcare provider’s advice.

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 fitted and worn. They won’t work for everyone, especially children. People with heart or lung conditions should consult their doctor before wearing a respirator. Get more information about protecting your health during wildfires.

Media contact: Laura Gleim, DEQ, laura.gleim@deq.state.or.us, 503-577-3697
Tribal and local contacts:

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