Air quality advisory issues for portions of Union & Umatilla counties

By on Friday, August 21st, 2026 in Northeastern Oregon News Northeastern Oregon Top Stories

UNION & UMATILLA COUNTIES — The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has issued another air quality advisory for several counties, including portions of both Union and Umatilla Counties. As always, residents in impacted areas are reminded to stay indoors if possible, avoid strenuous outdoor activities, and monitor local smoke levels. The advisory is expected to last through at least Monday. The full advisory from the DEQ is below:

(Press release from the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality)

QUICK FACTS

Location: Crook, Jefferson, eastern Umatilla, northern Union, and southern Wasco counties

End date: At least Monday afternoon, Aug. 24, 2026

Smoke sources: Multiple wildfires in Oregon and Washington

** Versión en español estará disponible próximamente en oregonhumo.org **

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality issued an air quality advisory Friday, Aug. 21, 2026, for Crook, Jefferson, eastern Umatilla, northern Union, and southern Wasco counties due to smoke from multiple fires in Oregon and Washington.

DEQ expects the air quality advisory to last until at least Monday, Aug. 24, 2026. DEQ and partner agencies will continue to monitor smoke in the area.

DEQ expects intermittent smoke in Baker, Clackamas, Deschutes, Hood River, Wallowa, and northern Wasco counties.

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.

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Media contacts:

Read the advisory on the Oregon Smoke Information Blog here.

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