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CONTACT: Courtney Vanbragt or Ramona Quinn at 541-882-8846

Klamath County Public Health Wildfire Season Daily Update: Forecast for Air Quality

KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. -- The Air Quality outlook for today Sunday, August 27, 2017 to 8:00 am Monday August 28, 2017.

August 27 2017 is expected to be in the high moderate to unhealthy for sensitive groups and unhealthy for all range. The Weather Service is forecasting southeast winds today until 2:00 pm, which is expected to keep the Klamath Basin in the Moderate to High Moderate range until 2:00 pm.  Southwest winds are forecasted from 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm, which may bring more smoke into the Basin from the Miller Complex fire. The forecast from 7:00 pm Sunday to 8:00 am Monday morning is northwest winds, which may bring smoke into Rocky Point, Chiloquin, Fort Klamath and the Klamath Basin. The smoke will be coming from the High Cascades Complex and the North Pelican fire, through the night and on into the morning.

Due to the northwest winds forecasted for this evening, it is anticipated that the air quality conditions will stay in the high moderate range to unhealthy for sensitive groups and unhealthy for all for most of Klamath County, Rocky Point, Chiloquin and Fort Klamath areas. 

Moderate air quality will affect people who may be unusually sensitive to particle pollution. These individuals should consider reducing prolonged or heavy physical exertion both indoors and outdoors.  Symptoms such as coughing or shortness of breath are common signs that one needs to take it easier. For everyone else, it’s fine to continue regular daily activities.

Unhealthy air quality means everyone can be affected.  Individuals with lung diseases, such as asthma and/or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, should follow their health care provider’s advice about prevention and treatment of symptoms. When smoke levels are high enough, even healthy people may experience symptoms. Remember, local smoke levels can rise and fall rapidly, depending on weather factors including wind direction. Anyone can conduct a visual assessment of smoke levels.  To learn how to use visibility to measure risk of health effects:  http://www.oregon.gov/deq/aq/Pages/Wildfires-Visibility.aspx

Sensitive groups should avoid prolonged or heavy exertion.  Consider moving activities indoors and/or reschedule events.  Klamath County Public Health recommends that everyone reduce all prolonged or heavy exertion taking place both indoors and outdoors. For individuals who are unable to stay indoors, it is advised to take regular breaks from all activities.

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

If citizens have additional questions or concerns, they can contact Klamath County Public Health for the latest threats to health conditions from smoke.

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