FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monday September 25, 2017.

September 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 Monday, September 25, 2017 to 8:00 am Tuesday, September 26, 2017.

September 25, 2017 is expected to be in the good to moderate range due to the good mixing heights during the daytime hours. Low mixing heights are forecasted during the evening and early morning hours, which will create an inversion and may put the Klamath Basin and Chiloquin in the high moderate to unhealthy for sensitive group range.  

Good air quality considered satisfactory, and air pollution poses little or no risk.

Moderate to high 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.