LANE COUNTY — The Lane Regional Air Protection Agency (LRAPA) has extended the air quality advisory across Lane County through Thursday evening.
Smoke from the Bedrock and other fires in the region will continue to push smoke into Lane County, affecting more locations including the Eugene/Springfield metro area. LRAPA expects periods of Unhealthy air quality in Oakridge, and Moderate to Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups in Eugene and Springfield.
“The recent wind shift across Oregon is pushing smoke all across Lane County,” says LRAPA spokesperson Travis Knudsen. “Unfortunately, we won’t see significant air quality improvements until the wind shifts again this week.”
Check current conditions on the Oregon Smoke Information Blog, or by visiting the EPA’s Fire & Smoke Map: https://fire.airnow.gov/
For updated heat-related resources and places to cool off, please visit Lane County’s website: http://lanecountyor.gov/cooling.
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.
– 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.
– If temperatures allow, 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.
George Custer lives in Oakridge with his wife Sayre. George is a former smokejumper from his hometown of Cave Junction, a former captain in the U.S. Marine Corps. and ran a construction company in Southern California. George assumed the volunteer duties as the Editor of the Highway 58 Herald in 2022. He loves riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycle, building all things wood, and playing drums on the weekends in his office.
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