QUICK FACTS
Location: Parts of
Harney, Lake, and eastern Klamath counties
End date: Monday,
July 19
Smoke
source: Bootleg Fire near Fuego
Mountain
The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality issued an air quality advisory Friday for parts of Harney, Lake, and eastern Klamath counties due to smoke from the Bootleg Fire in Klamath County.
** Información en español **
DEQ expects the air quality advisory to last until at least Monday morning. DEQ and partner agencies will continue to monitor smoke in these impacted areas. When air quality becomes Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups, shown as orange on the Air Quality Index, sensitive groups may want to consider finding a way to be in cleaner air. People can consider leaving the area until air quality improves, creating a cleaner air space in your home, or finding one in your community, like an air conditioned library.
Smoke levels can change rapidly depending on weather. Check current conditions on the Oregon Smoke Information Blog, DEQ’s Air Quality Index, or by downloading the free OregonAIR app on your smartphone.
Smoke can irritate the eyes and lungs and worsen some medical conditions. People most at risk include infants and young children, people with heart or lung disease, older adults and pregnant women.
Protect yourself
and your family when smoke levels are high:
- Stay
inside if possible. Keep windows and doors closed.
- Avoid
strenuous outdoor activity.
- Use high
efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters in indoor ventilation systems or
portable air purifies. Or create
your own air purifying filter by following these instructions.
- Be aware
of smoke in your area and avoid places with the highest levels.
- If you have heart or lung disease or asthma, follow your healthcare provider’s advice.
Cloth, dust and surgical masks don’t protect from the harmful particles in smoke. N95 or P100 respirators approved by NIOSH may offer protection, but they must be properly fitted and worn. They won’t work for everyone, especially children. People with heart or lung conditions should consult their doctor before wearing a respirator. Get more information about protecting your health during wildfires.
Media contact:
Lauren Wirtis, DEQ Public Affairs Specialist, Lauren.Wirtis@deq.state.or.us, 503-568-3295
Tribal and local contacts:
Klamath
County: Valeree Lane, vlane@klamathcounty.org, 541-851-3737
Klamath
Tribe: Zak Jackson, zakary.jackson@klamathtribes.com, 541-783-2219 ext.184
Lake County: Judy Clarke, jclarke@lakehealthdistrict.org, 541-947-6045, ext. 5
Bootleg Fire, July 15, 2021, Photo Credit: U.S. Forest Service