Air Quality Advisory Issued for Jackson & Josephine Counties Due to Fire Smoke

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has issued an air quality advisory for Jackson and Josephine Counties, citing concerns about smoke from the Anvil Fire near Port Orford. This advisory was initiated on Saturday and is expected to remain in effect until 12a Monday morning.

DEQ, in collaboration with partner agencies, will continue to closely monitor smoke levels in the affected regions. Additionally, intermittent smoke is anticipated in other parts of southern Oregon until Sunday afternoon. These areas include central Douglas County, as well as southern Josephine, Jackson, and Klamath counties.

Smoke levels can change rapidly due to weather conditions.

DEQ emphasizes that smoke can have adverse effects on health, particularly irritating the eyes and lungs and exacerbating certain medical conditions. Individuals at the highest risk include infants, young children, those with heart or lung diseases, older adults, and pregnant individuals.

To protect yourself and your family when smoke levels are high, consider the following precautions:

Stay indoors whenever possible, keeping windows and doors closed. If it’s too hot, use air conditioning on recirculate mode or relocate to a cooler area.
Avoid strenuous outdoor activities to minimize exposure to smoke.
Use high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters in indoor ventilation systems or employ portable air purifiers. Instructions for creating DIY air purifying filters are also available.
Stay informed about smoke conditions in your vicinity and avoid areas with the highest smoke levels.
When air quality improves to moderate or healthy levels (yellow or green on the Air Quality Index), open windows and doors to ventilate homes and businesses.
If you have a medical condition requiring a specific breathing plan, adhere to it and ensure your medications are up to date.

It’s important to note that cloth, dust, and surgical masks do not provide effective protection against harmful smoke particles. Instead, N95 or P100 respirators approved by NIOSH may offer some protection. However, they must be chosen and worn correctly. Respirators should not be used for children, as they do not come in children’s sizes. Individuals with heart or lung conditions should consult their healthcare providers before using a respirator.