Klamath County Environmental Health Division Wildfire Season Daily Update/Forecast for Air Quality

 

The Air Quality outlook for Today Monday August 21, 2017, from 8:00 am until 8:00 am Tuesday August 22, 2017 is expected to be in the High Moderate to Unhealthy for sensitive groups range.  The Weather Service is forecasting NE winds for this morning which will keep it clear enough to have a good viewing of the Eclipse. The Weather Service is forecasting NW winds from 11:00 am today to 11:00 am tomorrow,  which will bring additional smoke into our area from the High Cascades Complex fire and the Pelican Butte area that will cause the air quality to stay in the “Unhealthy” range for the Klamath Basin, Rocky Point, Chiloquin and Fort Klamath.  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.

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.

To learn how to use visibility to measure risk of health effects:

http://www.oregon.gov/deq/aq/Pages/Wildfires-Visibility.aspx

 Public Information Officers for the wildfire advisory: Courtney Vanbragt and Erin Schulten at

541-882-8846