Air Quality Advisory Includes Jackson County thru Sunday Night  9/17   Smoke Is from the Anvil and Smith Fires

Air quality advisory for Curry, Jackson and Josephine Counties

Date: Sept. 16, 2023

UPDATE: Air quality advisory for Curry, Jackson and Josephine counties through Sunday night [Aviso sobre la calidad del aire]

QUICK FACTS

Location: Curry, Jackson and Josephine counties

End date: Through Sunday evening, Sept. 17

Smoke source: Anvil and Smith River Complex fire

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality issued an air quality advisory Friday morning for Curry and Josephine counties due to smoke from the Anvil and Smith River Complex fires. Jackson County has been added to the advisory. The advisory lasts through Sunday night.

DEQ also expects other areas of the state may see intermittent smoke from ongoing large wildfires. DEQ and partner agencies will continue to monitor smoke in the area.

Smoke levels can change rapidly depending on weather. Check current conditions on the Oregon Smoke Information Blog, DEQ’s Air Quality Index, or by downloading the free OregonAIR app on your smartphone.

Smoke can irritate the eyes and lungs and worsen some medical conditions. People most at risk include infants and young children, people with heart or lung disease, older adults and pregnant people.

Protect yourself and your family when smoke levels are high:

• Stay inside if possible. Keep windows and doors closed. If it’s too hot, run air conditioning on recirculate or consider moving to a cooler location.
• Avoid strenuous outdoor activity.
• Use high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters in indoor ventilation systems or portable air purifiers. Or create your own air purifying filter by following these instructions.
• Be aware of smoke in your area and avoid places with the highest levels.
• When air quality improves to moderate or healthy (yellow or green on the Air Quality Index), open windows and doors to air out homes and businesses.
• If you have a breathing plan for a medical condition, be sure to follow it and keep any needed medications refilled.

Cloth, dust and surgical masks don’t protect from the harmful particles in smoke. N95 or P100 respirators approved by NIOSH may offer protection, but they must be properly selected and worn. Select a NIOSH-approved respirator with a N, R or P alongside the number 95, 99 or 100. Learn how to put on and use a respirator. Respirators won’t work for children as they don’t come in children’s sizes. People with heart or lung conditions should consult their health care provider before wearing a respirator.

Additional resources:

• Find a cleaner air space in your area: Visit org and search for “Wildfire Related Clean Air Shelters.” Or call 211 any time or day.
• Learn more about protecting your health during wildfires