KLAMATH COUNTY ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH DIVISION WILFIRE SEASON DAILY UPDATE/FORECAST FOR AIR QUALITY

 

The Air Quality outlook for today Monday August 31, 2015, from 8:00 am until 8:00 am Tuesday  September 01, 2015 is forecasted to be “Good to Moderate””, meaning good air quality, however some people may be unusually sensitive to particle pollution and may need to take precautions if the air quality reaches moderate levels.

Weather conditions and smoke levels can vary dramatically during wildfires, not only from one day to the next but on an hourly basis. Smoke may also impact one portion of a community but not another.

KLAMATH COUNTY ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH DIVISION WILFIRE SEASON DAILY UPDATE/FORECAST FOR AIR QUALITY

 

The Air Quality outlook for Friday August 28th, 2015, from 8:00 am until 8:00 am Monday August 31st, 2015 may reach “Moderate to Unhealthy ”.  Unhealthy Air Quality means everyone can be affected.  Sensitive groups should avoid prolonged or heavy exertion.  Consider moving activities indoors or rescheduling.  Everyone else should reduce prolonged or heavy exertion. Take more breaks during all outdoor activities.  Moderate to high levels of smoke are forecasted to come into Klamath County from several Northern California Fires and several Oregon fires.  Our forecasted mixing heights are poor in the evening and into the early morning hours and may result in an inversion.  The inversion may trap the smoke and bring our Air Quality to Unhealthy levels at night.  We may find some relief from the inversion with improving Air Quality during the days.

Weather conditions and smoke levels can vary dramatically during wildfires, not only from one day to the next but on an hourly basis. Smoke may also impact one portion of a community but not another.

KLAMATH COUNTY ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH DIVISION WILFIRE SEASON DAILY UPDATE/FORECAST FOR AIR QUALITY

 

The Air Quality outlook for today Thursday August 27th, 2015, from 8:00 am until 8:00 am Friday August 28th, 2015 may reach “Moderate to Unhealthy ”.  Unhealthy Air Quality means everyone can be affected.  Sensitive groups should avoid prolonged or heavy exertion.  Consider moving activities indoors or rescheduling.  Everyone else should reduce prolonged or heavy exertion. Take more breaks during all outdoor activities.  Moderate to high levels of smoke are forecasted to come into Klamath County from several Northern California Fires and several Oregon fires.  Our forecasted mixing heights are poor at 6:00pm today and on into tomorrow until 10:00am and may result in an inversion.  The inversion may trap the smoke and bring our Air Quality to Unhealthy levels at night.  We may find some relief from the inversion with improving Air Quality during the days.

Weather conditions and smoke levels can vary dramatically during wildfires, not only from one day to the next but on an hourly basis. Smoke may also impact one portion of a community but not another.

Klamath Falls Sunset 8.24.2015

 Klamath Falls 8.25.2015 Sunset

Klamath Falls 8.25.2015 Sunset

Klamath Falls 8.25.2015 Sunset

Klamath Falls 8.25.2015 Sunset

The Air Quality outlook for today Wednesday August 26th, 2015, from 8:00 am until 8:00 am Thursday August 27th, 2015 may reach “Moderate to Unhealthy ”.  Unhealthy Air Quality means everyone can be affected.  Sensitive groups should avoid prolonged or heavy exertion.  Consider moving activities indoors or rescheduling.  Everyone else should reduce prolonged or heavy exertion. Take more breaks during all outdoor activities.  Moderate to high levels of smoke are forecasted to come into Klamath County from several Northern California Fires and several Oregon fires.  Our forecasted mixing heights are poor at 11:00pm today and on into tomorrow until 09:00am and may result in an inversion.  The inversion may trap the smoke and bring our Air Quality to Unhealthy levels at night.  We may find some relief from the inversion with improving Air Quality during the days.

Weather conditions and smoke levels can vary dramatically during wildfires, not only from one day to the next but on an hourly basis. Smoke may also impact one portion of a community but not another.

KLAMATH COUNTY ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH DIVISION WILFIRE SEASON DAILY UPDATE/FORECAST FOR AIR QUALITY

 

The Air Quality outlook for today Tuesday August 25th, 2015, from 8:00 am until 8:00 am Wednesday August 26th, 2015 may reach “Moderate to Unhealthy ”.  Unhealthy Air Quality means everyone can be affected.  Sensitive groups should avoid prolonged or heavy exertion.  Consider moving activities indoors or rescheduling.  Everyone else should reduce prolonged or heavy exertion. Take more breaks during all outdoor activities.  Moderate to high levels of smoke are forecasted to come into Klamath County from several Northern California Fires and several Oregon fires.  Our forecasted mixing heights are poor at 11:00pm today and on into tomorrow until 09:00am and may result in an inversion.  The inversion may trap the smoke and bring our Air Quality to Unhealthy levels at night.  We may find some relief from the inversion during the days.

Weather conditions and smoke levels can vary dramatically during wildfires, not only from one day to the next but on an hourly basis. Smoke may also impact one portion of a community but not another.

KLAMATH COUNTY ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH DIVISION WILFIRE SEASON DAILY UPDATE/FORECAST FOR AIR QUALITY

 

The Air Quality outlook for today Monday August 24th, 2015, from 8:00 am until 8:00 am Tuesday August 25th, 2015 may reach “High Moderate to Unhealthy”.  Unhealthy Air Quality means everyone can be affected.  Sensitive groups should avoid prolonged or heavy exertion.  Consider moving activities indoors or rescheduling.  Everyone else should reduce prolonged or heavy exertion. Take more breaks during all outdoor activities.  Moderate to high levels of smoke are forecasted to come into Klamath County from several Northern California Fires and several Oregon fires.  Our forecasted mixing heights are poor at 8:00pm today and on into tomorrow until 11:00am and may result in an inversion.  The inversion may trap the smoke and bring our Air Quality to Unhealthy levels at night.  We may find some relief from the inversion during the days.

Weather conditions and smoke levels can vary dramatically during wildfires, not only from one day to the next but on an hourly basis. Smoke may also impact one portion of a community but not another.

KLAMATH COUNTY ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH DIVISION WILFIRE SEASON DAILY UPDATE/FORECAST FOR AIR QUALITY
The Air Quality outlook for today Thursday August 20, 2015, from 8:00 am until 8:00 am Friday August 21, 2015 may reach “Unhealthy ”. Unhealthy Air Quality means everyone can be affected. Sensitive groups should avoid prolonged or heavy exertion. Consider moving activities indoors or rescheduling. Everyone else should reduce prolonged or heavy exertion. Take more breaks during all outdoor activities. Moderate to high levels of smoke are forecasted to come into Klamath County from several Northern California Fires and several Oregon Fires. Our forecasted mixing heights are poor at 8:00 pm today and on into tomorrow until 11:00 am, and may result in an inversion. The inversion may trap the smoke and bring our Air Quality to Unhealthy levels tonight. We may find some relief from the inversion tomorrow during the day.
Weather conditions and smoke levels can vary dramatically during wildfires, not only from one day to the next but on an hourly basis. Smoke may also impact one portion of a community but not another.

KLAMATH COUNTY ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH DIVISION WILFIRE SEASON DAILY UPDATE/FORECAST FOR AIR QUALITY

 

The Air Quality outlook for today Wednesday August 19, 2015, from 8:00 am until 8:00 am Thursday August20^th, 2015 may reach “Unhealthy ”. Unhealthy Air Quality means everyone can be affected. Sensitive groups should avoid prolonged or heavy exertion. Consider moving activities indoors or rescheduling. Everyone else should reduce prolonged or heavy exertion. Take more breaks during all outdoor activities. Moderate to high levels of smoke are forecasted to come into Klamath County from several Northern California Fires and the “Stout Creek” fire 16 miles east of Canyonville, Oregon. Our forecasted mixing heights are poor at 4:00 pm today and on into tomorrow until 9:00 am, and may result in an inversion. The inversion may trap the smoke and bring our Air Quality to Unhealthy levels tonight. We may find some relief from the inversion tomorrow during the day.

Weather conditions and smoke levels can vary dramatically during wildfires, not only from one day to the next but on an hourly basis. Smoke may also impact one portion of a community but not another

KLAMATH COUNTY ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH DIVISION WILFIRE SEASON DAILY UPDATE/FORECAST FOR AIR QUALITY

 

The Air Quality outlook for today Tuesday August 18, 2015, from 8:00 am until 8:00 am Wednesday August 19^th, 2015 is forecasted to be “Good to Moderate””, meaning good air quality, however some people may be unusually sensitive to particle pollution and may need to take precautions if the air quality reaches moderate levels. After 5:00 pm today moderate levels of smoke are forecasted to come into Klamath County from several Northern California Fires, several Oregon fires and the “Stout Creek” fire 16 miles east of Canyonville, Oregon. Our forecasted mixing heights after 7:00 pm are expected to drop down to low levels. This may result in an inversion, and bring our Air Quality to High Moderate to Unhealthy levels of pollution in the evening and through early morning hours.

Weather conditions and smoke levels can vary dramatically during wildfires, not only from one day to the next but on an hourly basis. Smoke may also impact one portion of a community but not another.

KLAMATH COUNTY ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH DIVISION WILFIRE SEASON DAILY UPDATE/FORECAST FOR AIR QUALITY

 

The Air Quality outlook for today Monday August 17, 2015, from 8:00 am until 8:00 am Tuesday August 17^th, 2015 may reach “High Moderate”, meaning some people may be unusually sensitive to particle pollution and may need to take precautions. Moderate levels of smoke are forecasted to come into Klamath County from several Northern California Fires, and unnamed fire in Bonanza and the “Stout Creek” fire 16 miles east of Canyonville, Oregon. Our forecasted mixing heights are good until 5:00 pm Today Monday. After 5:00 pm low mixing heights may result in an inversion, which may trap the smoke and bring our Air Quality to High Moderate to Unhealthy levels of pollution in the evening and through early morning hours.

Weather conditions and smoke levels can vary dramatically during wildfires, not only from one day to the next but on an hourly basis. Smoke may also impact one portion of a community but not another.

KLAMATH COUNTY ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH DIVISION WILFIRE SEASON DAILY UPDATE/FORECAST FOR AIR QUALITY

 

The Air Quality outlook for today Sunday August 16, 2015, from 8:00 am until 8:00 am Monday August 17^th, 2015 is forecasted to be “Good to Moderate””, meaning good air quality, however some people may be unusually sensitive to particle pollution and may need to take precautions if the air quality reaches moderate levels. After 5:00 pm today moderate levels of smoke are forecasted to come into Klamath County from several Northern California Fires and the “Stout Creek” fire 16 miles east of Canyonville, Oregon. Our forecasted mixing heights after 5:00 pm are expected to drop down to low levels. This may result in an inversion, and bring our Air Quality to High Moderate to Unhealthy levels of pollution in the evening and through early morning hours.

Weather conditions and smoke levels can vary dramatically during wildfires, not only from one day to the next but on an hourly basis. Smoke may also impact one portion of a community but not another.

KLAMATH COUNTY ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH DIVISION WILFIRE SEASON DAILY UPDATE/FORECAST FOR AIR QUALITY

 

The Air Quality outlook for today Friday August 14, 2015, from 8:00 am until 8:00 am Sunday August 16^th, 2015 may reach “Unhealthy ”. Unhealthy Air Quality means everyone can be affected. Sensitive groups should avoid prolonged or heavy exertion. Consider moving activities indoors or rescheduling. Everyone else should reduce prolonged or heavy exertion. Take more breaks during all outdoor activities. Moderate to high levels of smoke are forecasted to come into Klamath County from several Northern California Fires, Fires North of Crater Lake and the “Stout Creek” fire 16 miles east of Canyonville, Oregon. Our forecasted mixing heights are poor at 8:00 pm today and on into tomorrow until 11:00 am, and may result in an inversion. The inversion may trap the smoke and bring our Air Quality to Unhealthy levels tonight. We may find some relief from the inversion tomorrow during the day.

Weather conditions and smoke levels can vary dramatically during wildfires, not only from one day to the next but on an hourly basis. Smoke may also impact one portion of a community but not another.

Wildfire Smoke in Klamath County reach Hazardous levels.

Don’t forget to check the Air Quality Index when you’re on vacation or travel in the U.S. Get the daily AQI forecast for the city you’re visiting on the AirNow website, by signing up for free EnviroFlash email notifications, or by downloading the AirNow app for iPhone and Android – all available at www.airnow.gov. Find out about the overall air quality in an area before you visit.  AirCompare provides local air quality information to help you make informed, health-protective decisions about moving or vacationing. This easy-to-use tool can tell you what time of year an area has the best air quality, and whether the air quality has improved . AirCompare allows you to compare air quality between counties, based on specific health concerns or activity level. You can also use AirCompare to get the monthly average of unhealthy air quality days for up to 10 counties within one state or multiple states. Also check out the air quality in National Parks.

Source: http://www.airnow.gov/

Who is at greatest risk from wildfire smoke?

• People who have heart or lung diseases, like congestive heart failure, angina, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (including emphysema), or asthma, are at higher risk from wildfire smoke. In general, people with these conditions are at higher risk of having health problems than healthy people.
• Older adults are more likely to be affected by smoke. This may be due to their increased risk of heart and lung diseases.
• Children are more likely to be affected by health threats from smoke. Children's airways are still developing and they breathe more air per pound of body weight than adults. In addition, children often spend more time outdoors engaged in activity and play.
  
  Take steps to decrease your risk from wildfire smoke.

• Check local air quality reports. Listen and watch for news and health warnings about smoke. Check the Oregon department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) Air Quality Index at http://www.deq.state.or.us/aqi/index.aspx . Also pay attention to public health messages about taking safety measures.
• Consult local visibility guides. Our community has a monitor that measures the amount of particles that are in the air. Did you know that you can pick up a chart at the Klamath County Public Health Department that gives a guide on how to monitor the air or check the visibility chart at http://www.deq.state.or.us/aq/burning/wildfires/visibility.htm .
• Keep indoor air as clean as possible: if you are advised to stay indoors. Keep windows and doors closed. Run an air conditioner if you have one, but keep the fresh-air intake closed and the filter clean to prevent outdoor smoke from getting inside. If you do not have an air conditioner and it is too warm to stay inside with the windows closed, seek shelter in a designated evacuation center or away from the affected area.
   
• Avoid activities that increase indoor pollution. Burning candles, fireplaces, or gas stoves can increase indoor pollution. Vacuuming stirs up particles already inside your home, contributing to indoor pollution. Smoking also puts even more pollution into the air.
• Prevent wildfires from starting. Prepare, build, maintain and extinguish campfires safely. Comply or the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) http://www.oregon.gov/ODF/Pages/index.aspx  with local regulations if you plan to burn yard debris. Check with your local fire department to be sure the weather is safe enough for burning.
• Follow the advice of your doctor or other healthcare provider about medicines and about your respiratory management plan if you have asthma or another lung disease. Consider evacuating the area if you are having trouble breathing. Call for further advice if your symptoms worsen.
• Do not rely on dust masks for protection. Paper "comfort" or "dust" masks commonly found at hardware stores are designed to trap large particles, such as sawdust. These masks will not protect your lungs from the small particles found in wildfire smoke.
• Evacuate from the path of wildfires. Listen to the news to learn about current evacuation orders. Follow the instructions of local officials about when and where to evacuate. Take only essential items with you. Follow designated evacuation routes, others may be blocked, and expect heavy traffic.
• Travelers' Health Friday May 1st
  As of Monday April 20, 2015, we have stopped issuing the regular Air Quality and Woodstove use Advisory.  We will continue to issue advisories for our schools, agricultural community and residents with respiratory problems when necessary. The Air Quality Advisory will continue through the summer on the following web page www.klamathair.org and by phone message at 541-882-BURN (2876)
  The use of non-certified woodstoves and fireplaces as well as certified wood stoves and pellet stoves are allowed countywide until October 15, 2015. Outdoor burning is prohibited inside the Air Quality Zone.
  Outdoor or open burning is allowed outside the Air Quality Zone provided the requirements of the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, Oregon Department of Forestry and the local fire district are met.
  The U. S. Environmental Protection Agency's scale for rating air quality
• The data displayed are the most current available.
• All readings are preliminary and unvalidated. Following final review, all values are subject to change.
• New AQI readings will be available at approximately 15-20 minutes past the hour. The AQI map will refresh asynchronously at this time.
  The units ppm and µg/m3 stand for parts per million and micrograms per cubic meter, respectively. Both are used in the measurement of air pollutant concentration.
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  AQI Value	Actions to Protect Your Health From Particle Pollution
  Good (0 - 50)	None
  Moderate (51 - 100*)	Unusually sensitive people should consider reducing prolonged or heavy exertion.
  Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (101 - 150)	The following groups should reduce prolonged or heavy outdoor exertion:    - People with heart or lung disease    - Children and older adults
  Unhealthy (151 - 200)	The following groups should avoid prolonged or heavy exertion:    - People with heart or lung disease    - Children and older adults Everyone else should reduce prolonged or heavy exertion.
  Very Unhealthy (201 - 300)	The following groups should avoid all physical activity outdoors:    - People with heart or lung disease    - Children and older adults Everyone else should avoid prolonged or heavy exertion.
  *For particles up to 2.5 micrometers in diameter: An AQI of 100 corresponds to 35 micrograms per cubic meter (averaged over 24 hours). For particles up to 10 micrometers in diameter: An AQI of 100 corresponds to 150 micrograms per cubic meter (averaged over 24 hours).