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DEQ issues air quality advisory for Hood River and Wasco counties
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Conditions unhealthy in
parts of The Gorge, including The Dalles and Hood River
The Oregon Department of
Environmental Quality is urging residents in Hood River and Wasco counties to health
precautions from smoke caused by wildfires.
The Eagle Creek Fire is
bringing unhealthy levels of smoke into parts of The Gorge, including the
communities of Hood River and The Dalles. These conditions are expected to last
through the weekend and possibly into next week.
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.
Remember, local smoke levels
can rise and fall rapidly, depending on weather factors including wind
direction.