As firefighting crews continue working to contain the Mosier Creek Fire between The Dalles and Hood River, the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality and partner agencies continue monitoring air quality in the area.
Smoke levels can change rapidly depending on weather. Air quality quickly declined Wednesday night as the fire spread. It fluctuated between unhealthy and moderate levels throughout Thursday. Conditions began improving late afternoon and continued through the night, and DEQ lifted the air quality advisory Friday morning.
The sky looks smoky in the Columbia River Gorge, but air quality levels today are generally good.
Smoke levels can change rapidly depending on weather. Air quality quickly declined Wednesday night as the fire spread. It fluctuated between unhealthy and moderate levels throughout Thursday. Conditions began improving late afternoon and continued through the night, and DEQ lifted the air quality advisory Friday morning.
DEQ is installing an air quality monitor in Hood River and expects data to begin showing on the Air Quality Index Friday afternoon. The monitor will provide more data for the area.
In addition to Air Quality Index data, DEQ works with the National Weather Service, Oregon Department of Forestry and U.S. Forest Service to use satellite and meteorological data to track and assess air quality.
Find more information about the Mosier Creek Fire.