Air Stagnation Advisory issued
By Joe Hathaway on Tuesday, November 28th, 2023 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
BAKER CITY — Baker City, along with other parts of Oregon, is under an air quality advisory from the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality and the Lane Regional Air Protection Agency. Stagnant air conditions are trapping smoke and pollutants near the ground, prompting concerns for public health.
Affected Areas Include:
- Salem area through Thursday morning.
- Eugene-Springfield area through Thursday morning.
- Baker City, Burns, Klamath Falls, and La Pine through Thursday morning.
- Jackson and Josephine counties through Thursday morning.
Residents are urged to check the current air quality conditions and advisories on DEQ’s Air Quality Index or by downloading the OregonAIR app on their smartphones. Additionally, many county health and local air agencies have implemented wood burning restrictions, with exceptions for those relying on wood for heating or with limited income.
Precautions to Protect Health:
- Adhere to local burn restrictions to prevent worsening air quality.
- Avoid strenuous outdoor activities in smoky conditions.
- Individuals with heart or lung problems, along with young children, should stay indoors during elevated smoke levels.
- Use certified High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters in indoor systems.
- Minimize the use of wood-burning stoves and other indoor smoke sources if possible.
DEQ’s color-coded Air Quality Index categorizes air quality conditions, ranging from green (good) to maroon (hazardous), providing vital information for residents to safeguard their health.
