Report from the Air Quality Specialist
Current Conditions
Smoke conditions at the moment are within unhealthy levels likely due to night time inversion levels. Smoke impacts from previous night will continue to lift as temperatures and winds increase today.
Weather Forecast Conditions
A WEAK UPPER TROUGH WILL MOVE ACROSS THE AREA TODAY CAUSING INCREASED WINDS OVER TWO BULLS WILDFIRE DURING THE LATE MORNING THROUGH TONIGHT. A SLIGHTLY STRONGER TROUGH WILL SWING ACROSS THE REGION TOMORROW PRODUCING SIMILAR POTENTIAL IMPACTS AS TODAY...THOUGH THE WINDS ARE EXPECTED TO BE STRONGER. BOTH SYSTEMS ARE NOT EXPECTED TO BRING ANY CHANCE OF WETTING RAINS TO THE AREA.
Action Recommendations
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.
Jinny Reed
Forest Service
Air Resource Specialist for Two Bulls Fire
Bend, Oregon
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