‘It hasn’t been as busy’: Weeks of wildfire smoke affecting Central Oregon residents’ and visitors’ plans in many ways
(Update: DEQ extends air quality advisory; adding video, comments on smoke from locals, visitors)
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- For days and weeks now, wildfires in and around Central Oregon, as well as those hundreds of miles away, have brought in layers of smoke at times, leading to unhealthy air quality.
"This morning I was told, 'Don't go out -- it's miserable out,'" Betty Lucas, visiting from Benicia, California, said Wednesday.
But she was undaunted.
"I've been biking for the last hour, and it's beautiful. I'm not wearing my mask and I don't notice it. So I've seen worse in California."
At the height of summer tourist season, the frequent smoky days are causing some visitors to change their outdoor plans.
Bend resident Allan Noorda said, "I tend to try to get up early in the morning, make sure that I always bring a mask with me just in case it gets a little too dry, because it will be bothersome for your throat, the back of your mouth."
At Tactics in Bend, they're definitely feeling the smoke's impact. Assistant Manager Grant Stein explained the struggles.
"Us being a skate shop here, I feel like a lot of people do like to come here to get outdoors," he said. "But with the smoke, it is kind of funny, 'cause it's like you can't really be active outside, so you just like looking at skateboards or shopping for the outdoors, but you're kind of stuck inside."
The recent smoke hasn't stopped people from going outside to enjoy the Bend Farmers Market, shop and stroll downtown.
Bohemian Roastery owner Shelley Acres notices the farmers market's influx of people.
"It's very, very busy this morning," she said. "It does get a little bit quieter in the afternoon, when the smoke does get a little worse. It hasn't affected us as much this year. Last year and the past few years, it's been much worse."
For farmers at Rainshadow Organics, the smoke isn't deterring the work on the farm to harvest vegetables. But at the market, they've noticed a drop in business.
Farmer Sarah Lee Lawrence said, "People not coming to market because of the smoke is probably affecting our business the most, which I can totally understand people not wanting to be outside smoking, but that, I think that's probably the most challenging part for us."
At a Bend flower shop, Wild Flowers of Oregon, they're grateful customers are still coming in, maybe grabbing a bright, colorful bouquet to offset the gloomy smoke. Owner Sarah Swartz told us how business is during smoky days.
"We have definitely seen still a lot of foot traffic, surprisingly," she said. "And on the smoky days, it hasn't been as busy, but it doesn't seem to be deterring people as much as I thought that it would be."
There are cooling centers which can also offer shelter from the smoke. Deschutes Public Health recommends the Council on Aging's Senior Services Center and the downtown Bend Library.
Here's the Unhealthy readings around Bend on Wednesday morning:
The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality and Lane Regional Air Protection Agency issued an air quality advisory Wednesday, July 31, due to smoke from fires in Oregon, California, Idaho, Washington, and Canada.
The following areas are affected:
- Deschutes County
- Grant County
- Harney County
- Klamath County
- Lake County
- Eastern Lane County
- Malheur County
The advisory is in effect until further notice. Smoke experts will revisit forecasts on Friday and possibly update the advisory.
DEQ expects intermittent smoke in Baker, Crook, eastern Douglas, Gilliam, Jackson, Jefferson, Josephine, Morrow, Umatilla, Union, and Wallowa 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.
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.
