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Wildfires and High Temps Creating Air Quality Issues Throughout State

With record temperatures throughout Oregon and a number of wildfires burning in various parts of Oregon, air quality advisories are in place for much of Oregon -- including Portland, Eugene, Salem, Medford along with much of Northeast Oregon and Southeast Washington.

Air quality monitors are in the yellow and orange zones on the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality's Air Quality Index -- a color-coded tool that categorizes air quality. (Orange is unhealthy for sensitive groups and yellow is unhealthy for unusually sensitive groups.) While the air quality index is a valuable tool, air quality can change rapidly because of changing weather conditions and wildfire behavior.

DEQ’s Air Quality Index -- The Air Quality Index shows air quality for monitors around the state for the last hour or 24 hours. 


The Oregon Health Authority has some more specific recommendations on public health and wildfire smoke

EPA also allows you to subscribe to air quality alerts or EnviroFlash alerts

Check the latest air quality forecasts from the National Weather Service.

Another valuable tool is called the 5-3-1 Index. While this method can be a useful tool, persons should always use caution and avoid going outside if visibility is limited, especially persons who may be sensitive to smoke. Smoke conditions can change really quickly depending on win and other factors. 

And remember, this blog features regular updates from some specific fires and links to state, federal and local resources. (Also, find us on Twitter @ORSmokeBlog.)

Please check our hot links for resources from federal, state and local agencies including interactive fire maps, webcams and more.