The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, Lane Regional Air Protection Agency and the Southwest Washington Clean Air Agency extended an air quality advisory for all regions of Oregon and Southwest Washington due to fires in Oregon, Washington and California.
DEQ expects the air quality advisory to last until at least Monday afternoon. DEQ and partner agencies will continue to monitor smoke in the state and Southwest Washington.
Smoke levels are fluctuating between unhealthy for sensitive groups (orange) and hazardous (maroon) in these areas. When smoke levels are hazardous everyone needs to take steps to protect themselves. Areas closest to fires – such as Salem, Eugene, the Rogue Valley and Roseburg in Oregon, and Woodland in Washington – are having the worst smoke impacts.
The Portland-Vancouver area will likely have air quality worsen beginning Thursday evening or Friday. Air quality will also likely worsen in Central and Eastern Oregon starting Thursday. The Oregon Coast may see a little air quality improvement starting on Sunday.
Several highways and roads are closed around Oregon. Check TripCheck for the latest information.
Smoke levels can change rapidly depending on weather. Check current conditions by visiting the DEQ’s Air Quality Index or the Oregon Smoke Information blog, downloading the free OregonAIR app on your smartphone, or going to on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Air Now.
Smoke can irritate the eyes and lungs and worsen some medical conditions. Young children, adults over 65, pregnant women and people with heart disease, asthma or other respiratory conditions are most at risk.
Protect your health when smoke levels are high:
- Avoid outdoor activities and stay inside if possible. Keep windows and doors closed.
- Be aware of smoke in your area and avoid places with the highest levels.
- Use high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters. These can be portable filters or can be installed in indoor heating, ventilation, cooling and air purification systems. You can also create your own air purifying filter by following these easy to follow instructions: DIY air filter factsheet.
- If you have heart or lung disease or asthma, follow your healthcare provider’s advice.
- Consider leaving the area if smoke levels are hazardous and you have heart disease, asthma or other respiratory conditions. Otherwise, please wait to be directed to evacuate. Pay attention to evacuation notices. If you choose to leave the area, remember to take face coverings and hand sanitizer with you to help protect yourself and others from COVID-19.
Cloth, dust and surgical masks don’t protect from the harmful particles in smoke. N95 respirators that are tested to ensure proper fit and that are worn correctly may provide protection. Otherwise, they might just provide a false sense of security.
