Skip to main content

DEQ extends air quality advisory for Jackson, Josephine, Klamath, Douglas counties

By

Canyonville, OR—The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality is extending an air quality advisory for Jackson, Josephine and Klamath counties, and including southern Douglas County, due to smoke that continues to blow south from the Milepost 97 Fire near Canyonville. The advisory will be in place for at least the next several days, possibly longer. DEQ and partner agencies are reassessing conditions every few days.

There is expected to be consistent smoke in the moderate to unhealthy range in these areas. People who are sensitive to smoke should consider leaving the area until conditions improve. A temporary air quality monitor will be set up in Glendale to provide a clearer understanding of conditions in southern Douglas County.

Curry County is no longer under advisory, but Curry and Lake counties may continue to experience intermittent smoke over the next several days. DEQ will continue to monitor smoke in these areas.

Smoke conditions can change rapidly near wildfires, check current air quality conditions and advisories on DEQ's website or by downloading the OregonAir app on a smartphone.

Smoke can irritate people’s eyes and lungs and worsen some medical conditions. Small children, adults over 65, pregnant women and people with heart disease, asthma or other respiratory conditions are particularly vulnerable.

People can take the following precautions to protect their health during periods of severe smoke:
  • Stay inside if possible and avoid strenuous outdoor activity.
  • Be aware of smoke in your area and avoid places with highest concentrations.
  • If you have asthma or heart or lung disease, follow your healthcare provider’s advice.
  • Use certified HEPA filters in indoor heating, ventilation, cooling and air purification systems. HEPA stands for high efficiency particulate air filters.
  • Check for cleaner air shelters in your area on the Oregon Smoke Blog.
Resources:
Contact:
DEQ: Laura Gleim, Public Affairs Specialist, (541) 633-2030, gleim.laura@deq.state.or.us

Jackson County: Tanya Phillips, Jackson County Public Health, (541) 770-7708, PhilliTF@jacksoncounty.org

Klamath County: Valeree Lane, Klamath County Public Health, (541) 851-3737, vlane@klamathcounty.org