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Air quality advisory for Northeastern Jackson County

QUICK FACTS

Location: Northeastern Jackson County
End date: Friday afternoon, possibly longer
Smoke source: Devil’s Knob Complex and other fires in the Southern Oregon Cascades

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality extended an air quality advisory Wednesday for Northeastern Jackson County due to smoke from fires in the Southern Oregon Cascades. DEQ expects the air quality advisory to last until at least Friday afternoon.

** Información en español **

Air quality is good in most other parts of the state and should remain that way for at least the next several days.

Oregon Health Authority officials advise people to refill inhalers and air out homes and businesses when smoke levels improve to moderate or healthy (yellow or green on the Air Quality Index).

Smoke levels can change rapidly depending on weather. Check current conditions on the Oregon Smoke Information Blog, DEQ’s Air Quality Index, or by downloading the free OregonAIR app on your smartphone.

Smoke can irritate the eyes and lungs and worsen some medical conditions. People most at risk include infants and young children, people with heart or lung disease, older adults and pregnant women.

Protect yourself and your family when smoke levels are high:
  • Stay inside if possible. Keep windows and doors closed.
  • Avoid strenuous outdoor activity.
  • Use high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters in indoor ventilation systems or portable air purifiers. Or create your own air purifying filter by following these instructions.
  • Be aware of smoke in your area and avoid places with the highest levels.
  • If you have heart or lung disease or asthma, follow your healthcare provider’s advice.
Cloth, dust and surgical masks don’t protect from the harmful particles in smoke. N95 or P100 respirators approved by NIOSH may offer protection, but they must be properly fitted and worn. They won’t work for everyone, especially children. People with heart or lung conditions should consult their doctor before wearing a respirator. Get more information about protecting your health during wildfires.

Media contact: Laura Gleim, Oregon DEQ, laura.gleim@deq.state.or.us, 503-577-3697

Local contact: Jackson County: Tanya Phillips, PhilliTF@jacksoncounty.org, 541-770-7708

Devil's Knob Complex, Douglas County. Photo credit: U.S. Forest Service.