wildfire Rum Creek smoke plume aerial pic Team 13 8.26.22

SALEM, Ore. -- "Until further notice."  That's the time frame for an extended air quality advisory for Southwest Oregon from the state's Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) today.

DEQ is extending its air quality advisory for Curry, Jackson and Josephine counties that otherwise was set to conclude today.  The advisory stems from the northern Josephine County lightning-caused Rum Creek Fire that is reported this morning at 15,635 burned acres in size. 

DEQ also is extending its smoke watch for Wallowa, Baker, eastern Grant, Deschutes, eastern Lane, and southern Douglas counties for intermittent smoke from nearby fires.

Its end dates for the updated alerts is, "Until further notice for Southwest Oregon. Through Tuesday for Central and Northeast Oregon."

Oregon’s daily smoke outlooks  show times of day smoke might be better or worse in Southwest and Central Oregon.

** Información en español **

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

DEQ reminds, "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:

It also advises, "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."

Find a cleaner air space in your area at 211info.org  and search for "Wildfire Related Clean Air Shelters" or call 211 any time or day.

Learn more about protecting your health during wildfires .

wildfire Rum Creek smoke plume aerial pic Team 13 8.26.22

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