Another smoky High Desert summer: Unhealthy wildfire smoke affecting residents’ lives, visitors’ plans in many ways
(Update: DEQ extends air quality advisory; Kelsey McGee will have a report on smoke impacts at Four)
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Central Oregonians are ending a record-hot, dry and smoky July with more "unhealthy" air quality readings, and with the traditional peak-wildfire month of August still ahead.
The wildfires that have burned over 1 million acres already across Oregon have also brought troublesome smoke to many locations for much of the month, and the region is among those under the latest air quality advisory issued Wednesday by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality.
Our air quality map from E::Space on the NewsChannel 21 Weather page again showed air quality index readings in the unhealthy "red" levels Wednesday morning. The first day of the Deschutes County Fair & Rodeo also is the start of another rise in temperatures to 100 or above.
Kelsey McGee is visiting downtown Bend to speak with visitors and residents alike, to see how the smoky conditions are affecting their plans and lives. She's also speaking with area summer camps to see if they are moving activities indoors. Her report will be on NewsChannel 21 at Four.
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.
