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Smoke Expected to Linger in Rogue Valley, Clearing Expected in Northeastern Oregon, Klamath Falls


Roxy Ann Peak in Medford on Wednesday.
Smoke conditions are expected to linger in the Rogue Valley at least through the weekend. A number of wildfires combined with continued high temperatures and the possibility of lightning strikes are expected to contribute to poor air quality in the region.
Smoke could worsen in Klamath Falls this evening and overnight. But clearing is expected as early as tomorrow, according to the latest forecasting models.Conditions are also expected to improve in Northeastern Oregon.
On Wednesday morning, air quality monitors in Medford, Pendleton, La Grande, Cove and Baker City were registering readings that were orange or unhealthy for sensitive groups including those with lung disease, older adults and children. Klamath Falls had a red or unhealthy reading earlier in the morning and is currently in the unhealthy for sensitive groups category.
An unhealthy or red reading on the Air Quality Index means that everyone may begin to experience health effects and everyone else should avoid prolonged or heavy exertion outdoors.
The Garner Complex and Hendrix Fire in Southern Oregon and the Substation and Cemetery fires in Eastern Oregon are among those contributing to the air quality conditions. Local smoke levels can rise and fall rapidly, depending on weather factors including wind direction. 
Residents can view current air quality conditions at https://oraqi.deq.state.or.us/home/map. You can also download the mobile app by searching for OregonAir on your smart phone.
Oregon's monitoring network does not capture air quality conditions in all communities. For this reason, it's important for residents to gauge air quality conditions where they live and take appropriate actions to protect themselves.

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.




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