Air quality advisory for parts of Central and Eastern Oregon due to wildfire smoke

By on Monday, July 22nd, 2024 in Columbia Basin News Eastern/Southeast Oregon News Northeastern Oregon News

Information from the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality:

QUICK FACTS

Location: Baker, Grant, Wheeler, Crook, Union, southern Morrow and Umatilla, Klamath, and northern Harney and Malheur counties

End date: Until further notice

Smoke source: Fires in Oregon

** Información en español **

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality issued an air quality advisory Monday, July 22, for the following areas due to smoke from fires in Oregon:

  • Baker
  • Grant
  • Wheeler
  • Crook
  • Union
  • Southern Morrow
  • Southern Umatilla
  • Klamath
  • Eastern Douglas
  • Northern Harney
  • Northern Malheur

The advisories are in effect until further notice. Smoke experts will revisit forecasts on Wednesday and possibly update the advisories.

DEQ also expects intermittent smoke in Deschutes, eastern Lane, Jackson, Josephine and northern Lake County through Wednesday due to smoke from the Diamond Complex Fire.

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