Oregon Department of Environmental Quality
	News Release
Release Date: June 19, 2015 Contact: Greg Svelund, DEQ Public Affairs, Bend, 541-633-2008 Jonathan Modie, Oregon Health Authority/Public Health, 971-246-9139
DEQ issues an air quality advisory for Josephine County and the community of O’Brien due to wildfire smoke

DEQ urges Josephine County residents, especially those living in O’Brien, to take precautions from wildfire smoke

 

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality and state and local health officials urge residents in Josephine County and the community of O’Brien to take health precautions from smoke caused by the nearby Buckskin Fire burning in southwestern Oregon.

 

Should smoke occur, residents can take the following precautions to avoid breathing problems or other symptoms from smoke:

 

·         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, closing all windows and doors and using a filter in your heating/cooling system that removes very fine particulate matter.

·         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.

 

Remember, local smoke levels can rise and fall rapidly, depending on weather factors including wind direction. People can conduct a visual assessment of smoke levels to quickly get a sense of air quality levels and take precautions. If people have additional concerns, they should contact the nearest regional or local public health agency for the latest in health conditions from smoke.

 

Visit the Oregon Smoke Blog for more information regarding active fires and air quality, along with tools to help people assess smoke levels in their area.