The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality extended an air quality advisory Sept. 1 for Josephine County, Curry County and Jackson County due to intermittent periods of heavy smoke from the Rum Creek Fire expected in the area for the foreseeable future.
DEQ also expects intermittent moderate to unhealthy smoke in Central and Northeastern Oregon through at least Sept. 5 due to localized impacts from nearby fires. This includes Wallowa, Baker, eastern Grant, Deschutes, eastern Lane, and southern Douglas counties.
Check Oregon’s daily smoke outlooks to see what times of day smoke might be better or worse in Southwest and Central Oregon.
- Información en español
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 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.
- 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.
Original source can be found here.
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