As wildfire
season gets underway in Oregon, it’s a good time to bookmark some resources
that provide information on air quality and wildfire smoke. The Oregon Smoke
Blog provides regular updates on air quality throughout the season. You’ll also
find us on Twitter @ORSmokeBlog. Check out our hot links to the left that
provide information from federal, state and local agencies and provide
information on how to safeguard against health effects from wildfire smoke.
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 and to reduce the time you spend in smoky areas and outdoors. The
elderly, children and those with respiratory diseases can be particularly
vulnerable to the effects of smoke. The
Oregon Health Authority has more
information on wildfire smoke and your health.
The Oregon
Department of Environmental Quality has a number of resources online including
links to other agencies such as the Northwest
Interagency Coordination Center’s fire maps and the Oregon Department of Forestry’s
Wildfire Blog.
You can also
learn more on the DEQ webpage about how agencies around the state work together
using a standard Wildfire Response Protocol. The protocol describes the role of each agency during severe
wildfire smoke events, and how agencies work together to increase safety and
protect public health.
For hourly
and 24-hour updates on air quality, visit the DEQ’s Air Quality
Index. The color-coded index shows what air quality conditions are around
the state and explains whether those in a given area should take precautions. If
you live in Lane County, check out. Lane Regional Air
Protection Agency’s Air Quality Index. Find them on Twitter @LaneRegionalAir.
You can also
sign up to receive advisories from various
counties or receive EnviroFlash
alerts about the air quality in your area.