Oregon Smoke Information

A number of tools are available to help you gauge air quality in your area. But one tool is right under your nose – well actually right above it. How far you can see on a given day can be a good indicator of air quality. The 5-3-1 visibility index can help you estimate smoke levels and decide what precautions to take. This exercise will give you a good excuse to step outside – on a clear day. First, determine your visual range by scoping out distant targets or familiar landmarks that you know are a given distance away. If you can see 15 miles away the air quality is generally good. In the 5- to 15-mile range air quality is moderate and probably healthy except for sensitive groups such as those with respiratory conditions, particularly the closer to the 5-mile marker you get. Here’s where the 5-3-1 index kicks in: Under 5 miles Air quality is unhealthy for young children, adults over 65, pregnant women and people with heart and/or lung disease, asthm...

Oregon Department of Environmental Quality News Release     Release date:   June 9, 2016   Contacts: Katherine Benenati, Public Affairs Specialist, Eugene, 541-686-7997, benenati.katherine@deq.state.ar.us Jennifer Flynt, Public Affairs Specialist, Portland, 503-229-6585, flynt.jennifer@deq.state.or.us   DEQ issues air quality advisory for several Central Oregon counties   Central, Oregon -- The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality urges residents in Crook, Deschutes, Klamath, and Jefferson counties to take precautions from smoke caused by fires burning in central Oregon and California. High smoke levels can create health problems for even healthy people so remember to limit your exposure to smoke by keeping windows and doors closed, reducing the time you spend in smoky areas and avoiding strenuous outdoor activity. The elderly, chi...

The Akawana fire, about 13 miles north of Sisters and four miles west of Geneva, has grown to about 2000 acres, according to the Oregon Department of Forestry Central Oregon District. Steady winds from the west are driving the fire, which was sparked by lightning Tuesday June 7. The air quality rating in the Prineville area is currently moderate, while surrounding areas are still good. To keep an eye on air quality conditions in the area visit: http://www.deq.state.or.us/aqi/index.aspx or s ubscribe to Enviroflash Air Quality Alerts  http://www.enviroflash.info/ to receive air quality information for where you live. Earlier today the evacuation notice was upgraded from level one “get ready” to level two “get set.” People in the area should evacuate if the level is raised to three. Updates on the fire can be found at: http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/4772/ The Central Oregon District is also posting updates on its Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/ODFCe...