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:
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.
- 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
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Distance you can see*
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You are:
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You have:
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· An adult
· A teenager
· An older child
|
· Age 65 and over
· Pregnant
· A young child
|
OR
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· Asthma
· Respiratory illness
· Lung or heart disease
|
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5 miles
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check visibility
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minimize outdoor activity
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3 miles
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minimize outdoor activity
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stay inside
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1 mile
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stay inside
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stay inside
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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. |
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* less reliable under
high humidity conditions
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Useful
web links
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