‘Plenty of wildfire season ahead’: Oregon DEQ urges staying prepared, despite end to air quality advisories after 42 days

(Update: adding video, KTVZ.COM Poll, comments by DEQ , C.O. Fire Management Services)

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) -- The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality says that for the first time in 42 days, no air quality advisory has been issued for any part of the state this week, as recent cooler temperatures and weather changes bring an end - or a pause - to the wildfire smoke many communities have been dealing with.

But no one is saying fire season is over, by any means.

From July 9th until Monday, the agency had an air quality advisory in place for at least some part of Oregon, the latest issued on Friday including Deschutes County.

Blue skies and fresh air — many people are out and about taking advantage of the smoke-free air for the first time in a month and a half.

"At this moment, there are no air quality advisories in effect throughout the state, which is great news given how so many parts of the state have been battered by wildfires so far this season," DEQ Public Affairs Specialist Michael Loch said Wednesday.

Last year, we had about 58 days of air quality advisories, according to Loch. That’s about 16 more days than what we’ve had so far this year. Our last day with an advisory in 2023 was on Sept. 24.

"Conditions do change, and it's important for people to stay mindful about that and to follow tips to keep themselves safe," Loch said. "So if there is an air quality advisory in an area, do take the precautions like avoiding outdoor, strenuous activity. You could stay inside with your windows and doors shut, running an air filter if you have that."

"It's easy to have brief periods of reprieve like we are having this week, but we still can have plenty of wildfire season ahead of us, so we could see some future air quality advisories," he added.

The recent cooler temperatures are partly to credit for the improvement in air quality and the reduction in the wildfire threat.

"When we have those cooler temperatures overnight, for example, it will raise that fuel moisture level," says Kaitlyn Webb, public information officer for Central Oregon Fire Management Services. "But as soon as it heats up during the day, it then lowers that fuel moisture level again, and they're very receptive to fire."

Despite the cooler temperatures, August is the peak month for fires in Central Oregon, and fire season is lasting longer now, according to Webb.

"We're really looking at fire activity as a fire year instead of a fire season any more," she said. "We're seeing activities last longer and start earlier. So we should not be letting our guard down."

With more fires expected, air quality advisories are still anticipated over the next month. Air quality index resources can be found at AQI.gov. When the smoke does return, folks can also call 211 to find information on additional resources.