QUICK
FACTS
Location: Curry,
Jackson and Josephine counties
End date: Through
Sunday evening, Sept. 17
Smoke
source: Anvil and Smith River Complex fires
** Información en español **
The
Oregon Department of Environmental Quality issued an air quality advisory Friday
morning for Curry and Josephine counties due to smoke from the Anvil and Smith
River Complex fires. Jackson County has been added to the advisory. The
advisory lasts through Sunday night.
DEQ
also expects other areas of the state may
see intermittent smoke from ongoing large wildfires. DEQ and partner agencies will continue
to monitor smoke in the area.[GL*D1]
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 people.
Protect yourself and your family when
smoke levels are high:
- Stay inside if possible. Keep windows and
doors closed. If it’s too hot, run air conditioning on recirculate or
consider moving to a cooler location.
- Avoid strenuous outdoor activity.
- Use high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters in indoor
ventilation systems or portable air purifiers. 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.
- When air quality improves to moderate or healthy
(yellow or green on the Air Quality Index), open windows and doors to air
out homes and businesses.
- If you
have a breathing plan for a medical condition, be sure to follow it and
keep any needed medications refilled.
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 selected and worn. Select a
NIOSH-approved respirator with a N, R or P alongside the number 95, 99 or 100. Learn how to put on and use a
respirator. Respirators won’t work for children as they don’t
come in children’s sizes. People with heart or lung conditions should consult
their health care provider before wearing a respirator.
·
Find a cleaner air space in your area: Visit 211info.org and search for
“Wildfire Related Clean Air Shelters.” Or call 211 any time or day.
·
Learn more about
protecting your health during wildfires[GL*D2]
Media contacts:
· DEQ: Harry Esteve, 503-951-3856, harry.esteve@deq.oregon.gov