8/29/25: Air Quality Report for NE Oregon and surrounding areas

Air Quality Report

Issued Saturday August 29, 2015

NE Oregon, SE Washington and W Central Idaho

Prepared by: Greg Johnson, Air Resource Advisor

Wallowa-Whitman National Forest, Baker City, OR

High winds along with variable cloudiness and even a scattered light rain shower will accompany the major frontal passage over the region today. Smoke production could be significant if fire behavior ramps up this afternoon. This morning, all 4 major fires of interest in this area (Eagle, Grizzly Bear, Canyon Creek and Teepee Springs) are active, and fire spread in high winds this afternoon is a major concern. Winds will shift from mostly southerly to mostly westerly through the day, reaching Idaho this evening. Nighttime smoke in valleys downwind from these fires could be significant today and tonight, and possibly on succeeding nights as well. Sunday will feature clouds and even some showers and the coolest weather in several months. This should put some damper on fire activity, though afternoon winds will still be moderate. Smoke from fires early next week could be highly variable and dependent on fire activity the next 24 hours. The weather should be dry and much calmer Monday and Tuesday, along with very cool nights and average daytimes. Air quality is expected to be much improved in most areas compared to recent weeks. Air Quality Outlook:
Site	Saturday August 29	Sunday August 30	Monday August 31	Comments
Baker City	Moderate	Good	Good	Some smoke from Canyon Ck fire today
Elgin	Moderate	Good	Good	Some smoke from Canyon Ck fire today
Enterprise/Joseph	Moderate	Good	Good	Some Grizzly Bear smoke possible at night
Halfway	Moderate	Moderate	Moderate	Very clear air during day; some Eagle fire smoke at night and mornings
La Grande	Moderate	Good	Good	Some smoke from Canyon Ck fire today
Lewiston ID/Clarkston WA	Unhealthy	Moderate	Moderate	Idaho smoke this morning will clear in afternoon; some Grizzly Bear smoke nights
McCall ID	Good	Good	Good	Teepee Springs fire smoke possible nights
Ontario/Payette ID	Good	Moderate	Moderate	Some Canyon Ck smoke possible Sun and Mon
Pendleton	Good	Good	Good
Riggins ID	Unhealthy	Moderate	Moderate	Clearing later today; Teepee Springs smoke possible nights
Troy	Very Unhealthy	USG	Moderate	Grizzly Bear fire smoke significant this afternoon; decreasing thereafter
Vale	Good	Moderate	Moderate	Some Canyon Ck smoke possible Sun and Mon
Walla Walla WA	Good	Good	Good
Weiser ID	Good	Moderate	Moderate	Some Canyon Ck smoke possible Sun and Mon


AQI Index	Actions to Protect Yourself
Good	Air quality is considered satisfactory, and air pollution poses little or no risk.
Moderate	Air quality is acceptable; however, for some pollutants there may be a moderate health concern for a very small number of people. For example, people who are unusually sensitive to ozone may experience respiratory symptoms.
Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups - USG	Although general public is not likely to be affected at this AQI range, people with lung disease, older adults and children are at a greater risk from exposure to ozone, whereas persons with heart and lung disease, older adults and children are at greater risk from the presence of particles in the air
Unhealthy	Everyone may begin to experience some adverse health effects, and members of the sensitive groups may experience more serious effects.
Very Unhealthy	This would trigger a health alert signifying that everyone may experience more serious health effects.
Hazardous	This would trigger a health warnings of emergency conditions. The entire population is more likely to be affected.

Links:

Oregon Smoke Information: http://oregonsmoke.blogspot.com/

AirNow: www.airnow.gov

Idaho Smoke Information: http://idsmoke.blogspot.com/

Washington Smoke Information: http://wasmoke.blogspot.com/

Warning: These data have been obtained from automated instruments and have not been subjected to a quality assurance review to determine their accuracy. They are presented for public awareness and should not be considered final. Conditions such as power outages and equipment malfunctions can produce invalid data.

¹ Since wildfires often occur in remote areas, air monitoring equipment may not be available. The following table provides a quick method to assess air quality in your area. For more detailed information you can go to the following site: http://www.deq.state.or.us/aq/burning/wildfires/visibility.htm

Using the 5-3-1 Visibility Index

Distance you can see*

Your are:

You have:

· An adult

· A teenager

· An older child

· Age 65 and over

· Pregnant

· A young child

· Asthma

· Respiratory illness

· Lung or heart disease

5 miles

check visibility

minimize outdoor activity

3 miles

minimize outdoor activity

stay inside

1 mile

stay inside

No matter how far you can see, if you feel like you are having health effects from smoke exposure, take extra care to stay inside or get to an area with better air quality. You should also see your doctor or other health professional as needed.

* less reliable under high humidity conditions