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Smoke Forecast for Blanket Creek and Spruce Lake Fires -- Aug. 6, 2017


Smoke Outlook:  Rogue River – Siskiyou National Forest         
Issued for: Sunday, August 6, 2017 
Air Resource Advisor: Carolyn Kelly (ckelly@quinault.org)


Smoke
Blanket Creek Fire – Smoke continues to linger in the areas near the fire. Ongoing fire activity continues to add more smoke to the area affecting regional haze.  The greatest impacts will remain mostly local with higher levels expected in Prospect, Crater Lake National Park, and Chiloquin.  Other communities around the fires have seen some improvement in air quality and can expect to see ‘moderate’ smoke levels at times and ‘good’ levels overall.
Spruce Lake Fire - Tourists at Crater Lake National Park will be able to view and smell smoke in the park. Smoke from area fires is hindering visibility.  Visitors should check for road closures and other announcements while planning trips.
Fire
Blanket Creek Fire – Another Red Flag Warning is in effect from 1pm to 11pm today due to potential lightning in the area. While temperatures are slightly lower, conditions remain hot and dry.  Fire activity is expected to persist, although lower rates of spread and flame lengths are expected as cloud cover increases.
Spruce Lake Fire – Expected to lose intensity as the fire moves southeast toward old burn scars and patchy fuel areas. Cloud cover is also expected to impede fire intensity and movement.
Air Quality Outlook
Sites with air quality monitors
Site
Yesterday
Today
Tomorrow
Notes for today’s forecast
Shady Cove
Moderate
Good
Good
Potential times of moderate, overall good
Medford
Moderate
Good
Good
Potential times of moderate, overall good
Ashland
Moderate
Good
Good
Potential times of moderate, overall good
Chiloquin
Moderate
USG
USG
Moderate and unhealthy levels at times, generally USG can be expected
Prospect
Unhealthy
Unhealthy
USG
Periods of moderate and USG, unhealthy overall
Crater Lake NP (visitor center)
Unhealthy
Unhealthy
USG
Periods of moderate and USG, unhealthy overall
Disclaimer: Conditions may change quickly. These predictions are based on anticipated weather and fire activity. AQI estimates for sites do not represent a full 24-hour time period.  Instead they reflect a period of time within the day where smoke impacts would be greatest.
AQI Index
Actions to Protect Yourself
Good
None
Moderate
Unusually sensitive people should consider reducing prolonged or heavy outdoor exertion.
Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups*- USG
People with heart or lung disease, children and older adults should reduce prolonged or heavy outdoor exertion.  Everyone else should limit prolonged or heavy exertion.
Unhealthy           
The following groups should avoid all physical outdoor activity: People with heart or lung disease, children and older adults.  Everyone else should avoid prolonged or heavy exertion.
Very Unhealthy
Everyone should avoid any outdoor exertion; people with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly and children should remain indoors.
Hazardous
The following groups should remain indoors and keep activity levels low: People with heart or lung disease; children and older adults. Everyone else should avoid prolonged or heavy exertion



Oregon Smoke Blog:


Oregon Dept of Environmental Quality


Blanket Creek Fire Information