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The Lane Regional Air Protection Agency issued an air quality advisory Tuesday for parts of eastern Lane County. The advisory runs through Thursday evening as smoke from the Emigrant Fire causes intermittent hazardous conditions, particularly in Oakridge and Westfir.
The Lane Regional Air Protection Agency issued an air quality advisory Tuesday, Sept. 2, for eastern Lane County because of smoke from the Emigrant Fire.
Oakridge, Westfir and other nearby areas can expect intermittent periods of hazardous or unhealthy levels of smoke in the air. The advisory is in effect through at least Thursday evening.
Smoke can irritate eyes and lungs and worsen some medical conditions. Infants and young children, people with heart or lung disease, older adults or pregnant people are the most at risk.
Residents in the Eugene-Springfield area can expect a low-level “haze” over the area, a direct result of the smoke from the Emigrant Fire.
“As far as the current atmospheric conditions that are causing the eastern Lane County air advisory, right now we are anticipating that that’ll last through Thursday, for sure,” LRAPA Public Affairs & Project Manager Matt Sorenson said. “But it’s literally as the weather changes, the smoke forecast changes. It’s all dictated by what the weather is doing.”
Cooler temperatures are forecast for Friday, which could help alleviate the smoky conditions.
LRAPA advises the following to stay safe from high smoke levels:
- Stay inside whenever possible; keep windows and doors closed.
- Avoid strenuous outdoor activities.
- Use high-efficiency particulate air filters, portable air purifiers, or create your own air purifying filter (instructions are provided by the Oregon Health Authority.)
- When air quality does improve to moderate or healthy levels (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. To learn more about protecting your health during wildfires, visit OHA.
