Smoke from wildfires is affecting air quality in Bend, which is currently unhealthy for sensitive groups or orange. Colleagues in our Bend office and a follower on Twitter have mentioned the smoky conditions worsening throughout the morning. Air quality was good until around 7 a.m. when it inched into moderate or yellow territory, which is unhealthy for extremely sensitive groups. Readings from 10 and 11 a.m. this morning were both orange. Readings in Sisters and Prineville were both moderate at 11 a.m. and noon.
Much of the smoke is coming from wildfires in the southwest part of the state. Forecasts call for clearing tonight and for the smoke to return in the morning. Forecasts also show clearing again tomorrow night.
Smoke levels can fluctuate rapidly and affect even neighboring areas quite differently so remember to check air quality conditions before you head out. Click the Smoke and Health tab for more resources on what precautions you can take when air quality is poor.
People can take the following precautions:
- Be aware of smoke concentrations in your area and avoid the places with highest concentrations.
- Avoid strenuous outdoor activity in smoky conditions.
- If you have heart disease, asthma or other respiratory ailments, or are over 65, you have a higher risk of illness from wildfire smoke.
- Small children and pregnant women are also at increased risk. People in any of these groups might consider leaving the area until air quality improves.
- People suffering from asthma or other respiratory problems should follow their breathing management plans or contact their healthcare providers.
Much of the smoke is coming from wildfires in the southwest part of the state. Forecasts call for clearing tonight and for the smoke to return in the morning. Forecasts also show clearing again tomorrow night.
Smoke levels can fluctuate rapidly and affect even neighboring areas quite differently so remember to check air quality conditions before you head out. Click the Smoke and Health tab for more resources on what precautions you can take when air quality is poor.
People can take the following precautions:
- Be aware of smoke concentrations in your area and avoid the places with highest concentrations.
- Avoid strenuous outdoor activity in smoky conditions.
- If you have heart disease, asthma or other respiratory ailments, or are over 65, you have a higher risk of illness from wildfire smoke.
- Small children and pregnant women are also at increased risk. People in any of these groups might consider leaving the area until air quality improves.
- People suffering from asthma or other respiratory problems should follow their breathing management plans or contact their healthcare providers.