FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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 Friday, September 8, 2017 8:00 am to 8:00 am Saturday September 9, 2017.

Friday is expected to be in the moderate to unhealthy for sensitive groups in the Klamath Basin and unhealthy for sensitive groups to hazardous in the Chiloquin, Rocky Point and Fort Klamath area.. The Weather Service is forecasting variable northwest to southwest winds today and into Saturday.

Due to the northwest to southwest winds forecasted for Friday, it is anticipated that the air quality conditions will change from moderate to unhealthy for sensitive groups range within most of Klamath County, Rocky Point, Chiloquin and Fort Klamath areas. There may also be local areas in the region which have higher concentrations of smoke. The smoke will be coming in from the Miller Complex fire that is south of the Klamath Basin and the High Cascades Complex near Crater, the North Pelican fire in Rocky Point.

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.