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Air quality advisory for Douglas, Lane and Linn counties [Aviso sobre la calidad del aire]

 

QUICK FACTS

Location: Douglas, Lane and Linn counties

End date: Friday, Oct. 21

Smoke source: Cedar Creek fire

 The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality and Lane Regional Air Protection Agency extended an air quality advisory Monday for Douglas, Lane and Linn counties due to smoke from the Cedar Creek fire near Oakridge.

 The agencies expect the air quality advisory to last until at least Friday, Oct. 21. DEQ and partner agencies will continue to monitor smoke in the area.

 Because of improving conditions, DEQ removed several counties from the advisory list: Benton, Clackamas, Columbia, Coos, Marion, Multnomah, Polk, Washington and Yamhill counties. However, those counties should expect to see continued intermittent smoke depending on fire behavior.

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



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