DEQ extends Central, Southern Oregon air quality advisory for another day or two

Aug 09, 2023

PORTLAND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality issued another air quality advisory Tuesday for Central and Southern Oregon due to smoke from the wildfires in Oregon and Northern California. The length of the advisory varies by location.

The agency issued an air quality advisory for the following areas:

· Central and eastern Douglas County due to smoke from Tyee Ridge Complex through Tuesday evening.

· Western Crook, Deschutes and Jackson counties due to smoke from fires in Oregon and Northern California through Wednesday afternoon.

· Northern Deschutes (Bend, Redmond and Sisters), Josephine and Klamath counties due to smoke from fires in Oregon and Northern California through Thursday morning.

DEQ expects intermittent smoke in central and eastern Douglas, Harney and Lake counties on Tuesday and Wednesday. DEQ also expects intermittent smoke in Harney and Lake counties on Tuesday and Wednesday. Air quality may improve during Tuesday evening but smoke is likely to return Wednesday morning.

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:

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:

· Find a cleaner air space in your area: Visit 211info.org and search for “Wildfire Related Clean Air Shelters.” Or call 211 any time or day.

· Learn more about protecting your health during wildfires.

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