DEQ: Smoke should relent for much of Oregon over weekend

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality and smoke forecasters predicted Friday a clearing of wildfire smoke and better air quality for most of Oregon over Labor Day weekend.

The forecast for several of the communities that have been most affected this year with unhealthy and even hazardous air quality are predicted to have improved air quality. Those communities in particular may want to get outdoors, and air out their homes and businesses.

DEQ and public health authorities advise the public to continue to monitor air quality in surrounding areas. Local smoke levels can rise and fall rapidly, depending on weather factors including wind direction. Visit the Oregon Smoke Blog for more information: http://oregonsmoke.blogspot.com/

While residents can view current air quality conditions at http://www.deq.state.or.us/aqi/ , Oregon’s monitoring network does not capture air quality conditions in all communities. For this reason, it’s important for residents to gauge air quality conditions where they live and take appropriate actions to protect themselves. Using the 5-3-1 Visibility Index can help you gauge air quality when a monitor for your area isn’t available.

View guidance from the Oregon Health Authority on children and outdoor activities during periods of poor air quality: https://apps.state.or.us/Forms/Served/le8815h.pdf

Remember, it’s still wildfire season and burn bans are in effect throughout the state. Current fire restrictions are available at go.usa.gov/xUSkW