Air quality warning in effect for Jackson County through Monday – Ashland News

Smoke from Douglas County fires moves south to Ashland

Ashland.news staff report

Due to smoke from wildfires in Douglas County, the Jackson County Health Department issued an air quality advisory Saturday evening that is in effect through Monday, July 22. Depending on weather conditions and fire activity, air quality may be impacted for a longer period of time, the announcement said.

In addition, a “Red Flag” warning has been issued for several areas of southern Oregon, including Ashland, from 5 p.m. Saturday to 8 a.m. Sunday due to the risk of “strong lightning strikes on dry fuel,” the National Weather Service said Saturday afternoon. Given the dryness of the fuel and the continued high temperatures, lightning spread efficiency in starting fires will be high to very high, the NWS warned in its announcement.

A “Red Flag” warning means that critical fire weather conditions are expected during the warning period, which could promote rapid fire spread and become life-threatening.

Smoke concentrations can rise or fall rapidly depending on weather conditions, including wind direction and the amount of smoke generated by the wildfire, the statement said. Wildfires in neighboring counties and states are affecting air quality in Jackson County.

Air quality warning

Wildfire smoke is a complex mixture of air pollutants that are harmful to human health. Exposure to air pollutants in wildfire smoke can irritate the lungs, cause inflammation, impair immune function, and increase susceptibility to respiratory infections.

Inhaling wildfire smoke can have immediate effects on a person’s health, causing coughing, difficulty breathing, wheezing, asthma attacks, burning eyes, a scratchy throat, a runny nose, irritated sinuses, headaches, fatigue, chest pain, and heart palpitations.

Population groups known to be at risk from wildfire smoke include:

• Children under 18 years of age;

• Adults aged 65 and over;

• Pregnant woman;

• People with chronic diseases such as heart or lung disease, including asthma and diabetes;

• Outdoor workers;

• People with low socioeconomic status

In the event of a smoke event caused by a wildfire, Jackson County health officials advise people to take the following precautions:

• Be aware of smoke levels in your area and avoid places with the highest concentrations.

• Stay indoors and keep doors and windows closed. Whether you have central air conditioning or a room air conditioner, use high-efficiency filters to filter out fine particles from the smoke. Ask an air conditioning professional what type of high-efficiency filter is right for your air conditioner.

• Create a “clean room” in your home. Choose a room without a fireplace and with as few windows and doors as possible, such as a bedroom. Use a portable air purifier in the room.

• Maintain good indoor air quality by avoiding smoking indoors, not using gas or wood stoves or burners, not using aerosol sprays, not roasting or grilling meat, not lighting candles or incense, and not vacuuming.

• The Oregon Health Authority is offering a program to provide air conditioning units and air filters to people in Jackson County who are currently or recently eligible for medical assistance.

• Temporarily leave the area and move to an area with clean air. Go to public indoor spaces with clean air.

• Drink plenty of water. Staying hydrated can keep your airways moist, which helps relieve symptoms of respiratory irritation such as a scratchy throat, runny nose and cough.

• Keep a supply of NIOSH-approved respirators on hand and learn how to use them. If you choose to wear a respirator, choose a particulate respirator that is labeled “NIOSH.” If an “N,” “R,” or “P” is printed along with the number 95, 99, or 100, the mask is suitable for use. They are available at many hardware stores and online.

E-mail Ashland.News Editor in Chief Bert Etling at [email protected] or call or text him at 541-631-1313.