6/10/14 9:20 am Two Bulls Fire Air Quality Update

Report from FS Air Resource Specialist

Smoke Conditions

Last night between the hours of 10 pm and 1 am smoke levels increased slightly, while remaining in the good air quality category.

As of 6 am today smoke conditions are GOOD with very low levels of particulate matter at monitors located in Bend and Sisters.  The entire state of Oregon currently has very GOOD air quality.

Smoke Data & Air Quality Information Index

Weather related to smoke

Today transport winds will veer from NW across the northern zones to northerly across the southern zones.  Another upper-level disturbance is forecast to slide across Washington and northern Oregon; increasing the onshore flow and cooling temperatures several degrees.  Expect more extensive morning marine clouds across NW Oregon with areas of drizzle along the north coast and possibly the north interior.  Otherwise, skies will continue to be mostly sunny.  Ventilation conditions will remain good, 

but brisk NW winds across central Oregon may hamper wildfire fighting efforts and increase smoke levels.

Safety information to protect impacts to you and your health

Drivers may experience smoke impacts on nearby roads.  If smoke drifts onto roads, motorists should slow down, turn on headlights, and proceed with care.  Due to the Two Bulls wildfire, smoky conditions are expected to persist throughout Deschutes County for an indefinite amount of time.  Deschutes County Health Services will continue to communicate to the public the health impact of wildfire smoke inhalation on an ongoing basis until the fires reside. 

WHO IS AT HIGHER RISK FROM WILDFIRE SMOKE? People with chronic lung or heart conditions, the elderly, children, and pregnant women have a higher risk of health problems from breathing dense wildfire smoke.  People in these risk groups should minimize the impacts of wildfire smoke when it appears or smells the strongest or when DEQ indicates “unhealthy” air conditions by:

• Staying indoors
•  Avoiding outdoor activities until air quality improves
• Closing windows and doors, and
•  Using air conditioners and filters.

Those suffering from asthma or other respiratory conditions should follow their breathing management plans; keep medications on hand, and contact healthcare providers if necessary. Remember-the longer poor smoke conditions linger, the more likely a person’s health may be affected.  Please be prepared and think ahead regarding ordering medications.

If you do not live in a community with an air quality monitor or smoke moves in quickly, you can estimate local air quality visually and take the appropriate precautions.  

Using the 5-3-1 Visibility Index
Distance you can see*	You are:			You have:
	·  An adult ·  A teenager ·  An older child	·  Age 65 and over ·  Pregnant ·  A young child	OR	·  Asthma ·  Respiratory illness ·  Lung or heart disease
5 miles	check visibility	minimize outdoor activity
3 miles	minimize outdoor activity	stay inside
1 mile	stay inside	stay inside
No matter how far you can see, if you feel like you are having health effects from smoke exposure, take extra care to stay inside or get to an area with better air quality.  You should also see your doctor or other health professional as needed.
* less reliable under high humidity conditions

Useful web links

http://www.deq.state.or.us/aq/burning/wildfires/index.htm