DEQ Issues Air Quality Advisories for Medford Metro and Other Areas of Oregon

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and the Lane Regional Air Protection Agency jointly issued an air quality advisory for various regions in Oregon, citing stagnant air conditions that are trapping smoke and other pollutants near ground level. The affected areas include parts of the Willamette Valley, Rogue Valley, as well as other areas of the state.

Affected Areas and Duration:

Salem area through Thursday morning.
Eugene-Springfield area through Thursday morning.
Baker City, Burns, Klamath Falls, and La Pine through Thursday morning.
Medford, Ashland, and Central Point areas through Thursday morning.
Jackson and Josephine counties through Thursday morning.

Residents are encouraged to stay informed by checking the current air quality conditions and advisories on DEQ’s Air Quality Index or by downloading the OregonAIR app on their smartphones.

Wood Burning Restrictions:
Numerous county health and local air agencies have imposed wood burning restrictions, limiting the use of wood stoves, fireplaces, and outdoor burning. Exceptions may apply for those using wood exclusively for heating or individuals with limited income. Local health or air agencies should be consulted for the most up-to-date information on current restrictions.

Health Precautions:
To safeguard health during this advisory, residents are advised to:

Adhere to local burn restrictions to prevent a decline in air quality.
Refrain from strenuous outdoor activities in smoky conditions.
Individuals with heart or lung problems, along with young children, are especially vulnerable and should stay indoors when smoke levels are high.
Utilize certified High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters in indoor heating, ventilation, cooling, and air purification systems.
If possible, avoid using wood-burning stoves and other sources of indoor smoke.

DEQ’s Air Quality Index:
DEQ’s color-coded Air Quality Index categorizes air quality as follows:

Green: Good
Yellow: Moderate
Orange: Unhealthy for sensitive groups (children, elderly, pregnant women, and those with respiratory conditions)
Red: Unhealthy for everyone
Purple: Very unhealthy for all groups
Maroon: Hazardous

Residents are urged to stay aware, follow guidelines, and prioritize their health and well-being during this period of compromised air quality.