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7/15/14 Unhealthy Smoke Levels Near Maupin


DEQ urges people near Maupin to protect themselves from unhealthy smoke levels due to nearby wildfire


People in and around Maupin should protect themselves from poor air quality caused by smoke from the White River Fire, which is currently burning 12 miles west of the Tygh Valley, or 15 miles from Maupin.

DEQ urges residents and people visiting Maupin to take the following precautions:

        Be aware of smoke concentrations in your area and avoid the places with highest concentrations.

        Avoid smoke either by leaving the area or protecting yourself by staying indoors, and by closing windows and doors

        Avoid strenuous outdoor activity in smoky conditions. 

        People suffering from asthma or other respiratory problems should follow their breathing management plans or contact their healthcare providers.

People can conduct a visual assessment of nearby smoke to quickly get a sense of air quality levels. Generally, if you can see up to 15 miles, the air quality is probably good. If you can see less than one mile, the air quality is unhealthy and people should avoid outdoor activities. Refer to the descriptions below for more information based on how far you can see in various conditions:

Between 5-15 miles:  Air quality is moderate and beginning to deteriorate, and is generally healthy, except possibly for smoke sensitive persons. The general public should avoid prolonged exposure if conditions are smoky to the point where visibility is closer to the 5 mile range.

If under 5 miles:  The air quality is unhealthy for young children, adults over age 65, pregnant women, and people with heart and/or lung disease, asthma or other respiratory illness. These people should minimize outdoor activity.  

If under 3 miles:  The air quality is unhealthy for everyone. Young children, adults over age 65, pregnant women, and people with heart and/or lung disease, asthma or other respiratory illness should avoid all outdoor activities. 

If under 1 mile:  The air quality is very unhealthy, and in some cases may be hazardous.  Everyone should avoid all outdoor activities.

 For more information on using the visibility index during wildfires, visit
http://www.deq.state.or.us/aq/burning/wildfires/visibility.htm

Contact:
Frank Messina, Natural Resource Specialist, Bend, 541-633-2019
Greg Svelund, Public Affairs Specialist, 541-633-2008