DEQ urges
people near Maupin to protect themselves from unhealthy smoke levels due to
nearby wildfire
People in and around Maupin should protect themselves
from poor air quality caused by smoke from the White River Fire, which is
currently burning 12 miles west of the Tygh Valley, or 15 miles from Maupin.
DEQ urges residents and people visiting Maupin to take
the following precautions:
•
Be aware of smoke
concentrations in your area and avoid the places with highest concentrations.
•
Avoid smoke
either by leaving the area or protecting yourself by staying indoors, and by
closing windows and doors
•
Avoid strenuous
outdoor activity in smoky conditions.
•
People suffering
from asthma or other respiratory problems should follow their breathing
management plans or contact their healthcare providers.
People can conduct a visual assessment of nearby smoke
to quickly get a sense of air quality levels. Generally, if you can see up to
15 miles, the air quality is probably good. If you can see less than one mile,
the air quality is unhealthy and people should avoid outdoor activities. Refer
to the descriptions below for more information based on how far you can see in
various conditions:
Between 5-15 miles: Air quality is moderate and
beginning to deteriorate, and is generally healthy, except possibly for smoke
sensitive persons. The general public should avoid prolonged exposure if
conditions are smoky to the point where visibility is closer to the 5 mile
range.
If under 5 miles: The air quality is unhealthy
for young children, adults over age 65, pregnant women, and people with heart
and/or lung disease, asthma or other respiratory illness. These people should
minimize outdoor activity.
If under 3 miles: The air quality is unhealthy
for everyone. Young children, adults over age 65, pregnant women, and people
with heart and/or lung disease, asthma or other respiratory illness should
avoid all outdoor activities.
If under 1 mile: The air quality is very
unhealthy, and in some cases may be hazardous. Everyone
should avoid all outdoor activities.
http://www.deq.state.or.us/aq/burning/wildfires/visibility.htm
Greg Svelund, Public Affairs Specialist, 541-633-2008
Contact:
Frank Messina, Natural Resource Specialist, Bend, 541-633-2019Greg Svelund, Public Affairs Specialist, 541-633-2008