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Air quality advisory for Deschutes, eastern Lane counties [Aviso sobre la calidad del aire]

 

** Información en español **

 QUICK FACTS

Location: Deschutes and eastern Lane counties

End date: Monday, Oct. 24

Smoke source: Cedar Creek fire

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality is keeping Deschutes County and eastern Lane County under an air quality advisory through the weekend due to smoke from the Cedar Creek fire near Oakridge. All other parts of the state are expected to see relief from smoke at least through the weekend due to changing weather conditions.

The Portland metro area and the upper Willamette Valley counties have been removed from the advisory. However, residents might see intermittent smoke from fires in Washington and the Cedar Creek fire.

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 people.

 Protect yourself and your family when smoke levels are high:

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 selected and worn. Select a NIOSH-approved respirator with a N, R or P alongside the number 95, 99 or 100. Learn how to put on and use a respirator. Respirators won’t work for children as they don’t come in children’s sizes. People with heart or lung conditions should consult their health care provider before wearing a respirator.

Additional resources:

·         Find a cleaner air space in your area: Visit 211info.org and search for “Wildfire Related Clean Air Shelters.” Or call 211 any time or day.

·         Learn more about protecting your health during wildfires

 Media contacts:

·         DEQ: Harry Esteve, 503-951-3856, harry.esteve@deq.oregon.gov

·         LRAPA: Travis Knudsen, 541-736-1056 ext. 217, travis@lrapa.org

·         SW Clean Air Agency: Uri Papish, Vancouver, WA, 360-574-3058, uri@swcleanair.gov

·         Local and Tribal contacts


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