Date: 8-13-15 6 PM
UMATILLA COUNTY
HEALTH DEPARTMENT
200 SE Third, Pendleton, Oregon
Hazy air predicted through the weekend
Umatilla County – Smoke from the Eagle Complex, Cornet and Soda Fires in
northeastern Oregon will bring smoky air to Pendleton and Hermiston areas for
the next several days. These fires have continued to
grow in size, forcing evacuations in some areas. The fires are expected to
increase in size through this evening, given high winds, low humidity, and
hot temperatures. Pendleton is expected to get more smoke than
Hermiston. Smoke will increase throughout the evening, spreading
into Hermiston causing widespread haze. Currently
the air quality levels in Pendleton and Hermiston are at Moderate risk levels.
“Smoke conditions can change rapidly depending on wind
speed and direction, so it is important for people to monitor air quality
levels throughout the day. Wildfire smoke may increase the risk of illness
especially for older adults, young children, and people with asthma,
respiratory, or heart conditions,” said Meghan DeBolt, UCo Health Director. “We
encourage people to limit their outdoor activities when air quality levels are
moderate to unhealthy.”
People travelling east on I-84 are advised to take
alternate routes or plan to delay their trips, as the interstate has been
closed between La Grande and Ontario by ODOT as a precautionary measure due to
the smoke levels.
What the
public can do to protect themselves from harmful wildfire smoke:
Ms. DeBolt urges county
residents to take the following precautions to avoid health problems when hot,
smoky conditions affect our area:
- Be
aware of smoke concentrations in your area. Residents can get the latest
information by visiting the Oregon Smoke blog: Oregonsmoke.blogspot.com or
call 2-1-1 Info.
- Avoid
outdoor activities when air quality is unhealthy and hazardous. Those with
heart or lung problems, as well as young children, are especially
vulnerable.
- Avoid
smoke either by leaving the area or protecting yourself by staying indoors
and closing all windows and doors.
- Reduce
other sources of indoor air pollution such as burning cigarettes and
candles, using gas, propane, wood burning stoves and furnaces, cooking,
and vacuuming.
- Individuals with heart disease or lung diseases such as asthma should follow their health care provider’s advice about prevention and treatment of symptoms.
How healthy is the air in your community?
Check DEQ’s Air Quality Index to
see real-time air monitoring data from monitors placed around Oregon.
Conduct a
visual assessment: People can conduct
a visual assessment of nearby conditions to quickly get a sense of air quality
levels. Generally, if you can see up to 15 miles, the air quality is probably
good. If you can see less than one mile, the air quality is very unhealthy and
everyone should avoid outdoor activities.
Visit the Oregon
Health Authority’s wildfire web page.
For more information on using
the visibility index during wildfires, visit www.deq.state.or.us/aq/burning/wildfires/visibility.htm
For information on smoke and wildfires in Oregon,
visit http://oregonsmoke.blogspot.com/
Contact Information:
Meghan DeBolt, Director
(541) 278-5432
Sharon Waldern, Clinic
Services Program Mgr
(541) 314-1634