
The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has issued an air quality advisory encompassing Klamath County, southern Lake County, and La Pine. This advisory warns residents of stagnant air conditions that are effectively trapping smoke and other airborne pollutants close to the ground—right where Oregonians live and breathe. This advisory, which remains in effect through Friday evening, cautions against the worsening air quality resulting from an air pattern that refuses to shift, pressing particles down in a way that could pose health risks.
Those worried about the impact on their health are encouraged to check the air quality conditions through the Department of Environmental Quality's Air Quality Index or by downloading and quickly using the OregonAIR app on smartphones. With the index offering a color-coded system, residents can easily determine when air quality moves from green — indicating good conditions — to more troubling colors like orange or red, which signify deteriorating conditions for sensitive groups and the general population, respectively.
Amidst these concerns, the DEQ's advisory offers clarity on some protective measures Oregon residents can take. County health and local air agencies might impose wood-burning restrictions to combat air degradation caused by woodstoves, fireplaces, and outdoor burning, though typically, exceptions are made for those solely reliant on wood for heat or individuals constrained by their income. People should check with their local health or air agency to confirm current restrictions.
Furthermore, individuals are advised to follow such local burn restrictions closely to help prevent a further decline in air quality. Vigorous outdoor activities in smoky conditions might be avoided, especially by individuals with underlying heart or lung conditions, including the elderly and children, who are to stay indoors while smoke levels remain high. The use of certified High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters is suggested to maintain air purity indoors, with an additional recommendation to forego wood-burning stoves and other smoke-producing inside the home if at all viable.