Oregon Smoke Information

Oregon Department of Environmental Quality News Release Release date:  Sept. 15, 2016 Contacts: Katherine Benenati, Public Affairs Specialist, Eugene, 541-686-7997, benenati.katherine@deq.state.or.us DEQ issues air quality advisory for Salem Salem, OR – Air quality in Salem is being adversely impacted by a fire at Brown’s Island Compost Facility and other fires in the area and the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality is urging residents in certain groups to take precautions. Air quality readings for the last 24 hours at the Salem State Hospital monitor are yellow or moderate meaning air quality may pose a risk to those unusually sensitive to air pollution. Earlier in the day the 24-hour readings were orange or unhealthy for sensitive groups. When readings are orange, people with heart disease or lung disease, children and older adults should reduce prolonged or heavy outdoor exertion. Although air

Fire Information:   Fire is approximately 33,867 acres and 9 5% contained.   No additional perimeter fire growth occurred. The last two days had red flag warnings issued for strong gusty winds, those days were a good test to the fire and no significant fire activity occurred.   Islands of unburned fuel within the perimeter will continue to burn however it appears fire activity has been reduced to smoldering.  On all sides of the fire, crews are working on mop up and patrol of fire lines where safe to do so, along with pulling hose and equipment no longer needed on the fire line.  Suppression repair is also progressing along contingency lines and where needed.  Yesterday only small smoke columns were observed with a haze seen across the fire.                                                                                                                                                          Weather and Smoke Information:   No red flags have be

Fire Information:   Fire is approximately 33,867 acres and 85% contained.   No additional perimeter fire growth occurred; growth is all interior acres within the control lines. Yesterday’s strong gusty winds were a good test to the fire and no significant fire activity occurred.   Islands of unburned fuel within the perimeter will continue to burn however it appears fire activity has been reduced to smoldering.  On all sides of the fire, crews are working on mop up and patrol of fire lines where safe to do so, along with pulling hose and equipment no longer needed on the fire line.  A reduction of smoke is expected as the interior islands of unburned fuel get consumed.                                                                                                                                                          Weather and Smoke Information:   Winds will continue to be easterly but will not be as strong as they were yesterday.  Winds will