August 20, 2023
Health officials issued new advisories on Saturday afternoon as smoke from wildfires and local fires in Washington state, Canada, entered the Portland metropolitan area, worsening air quality. Obligation to limit the burning of firewood Today, Sunday, August 20th, is (red day) for Multnomah County residents.
The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has listed Multnomah County in its air quality advisory update as the Portland area may experience smoke continuously for the next 24 hours.
Health officials issued new advisories on Saturday afternoon as smoke from wildfires and local fires in Washington state, Canada, entered the Portland metropolitan area, worsening air quality. Obligation to limit the burning of firewood Today, Sunday, August 20th, is (red day) for Multnomah County residents.
The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has listed Multnomah County in its air quality advisory update as the Portland area may experience smoke continuously for the next 24 hours.
With intermittent smoke trapped in our area, we expect things to change. You can see that air quality levels in eastern Multnomah County are in the unhealthy range for sensitive groups (orange) and in the unhealthy range for all residents (red). Clear skies are expected Monday afternoon.
“Temperatures have dropped somewhat after the recent heat wave, but with wildfire smoke moving into urban areas, conditions can change quickly, so check air quality often. I encourage people to do that,” says air quality researcher Nadège Dubuisson. Health department. “Use air purifiers indoors when available, and limit outdoor activity, especially if air quality is poor. Check air quality before opening windows. Air Quality Index I want to find yellow or green in
people at risk
People at increased risk of smoke exposure include pregnant women, children, people with heart or lung disease, and the elderly. Residents can protect their health and reduce indoor pollution by turning on air filters or learning how to make one.visit multco.us/wildfiresmoke you can know more.
People who work outdoors are also at increased risk. Employers must visit OSHA, Oregon to: Requirements and recommendations to protect employee health.
Health officials will continue to monitor the situation. Air quality burn limits will be lifted when conditions improve.
Combustion limits for fire safety
Burn limits can be found at: multco.us/woodsmokestatus. Effective June 16, 2023 and issued by the Multnomah County Fire Board, the Fire Department’s mandatory open burning ban for safety includes all backyard burnings, recreational bonfires, and open fires until further notice. It also includes permits issued for the burning of yard rubble, agricultural open burning, and open burning. Residents should exercise extreme caution when cooking outdoors. Contact your local fire department/district for more information or to report a fire.
what should you do
Keep windows and doors closed (if the temperature permits). If it’s too hot indoors, seek out cool indoor air.
- If you spend time outdoors, avoid strenuous outdoor exercise during times of poor air quality.
- If available, set your AC to recirculate air, use an air purifier with a HEPA filter, or build your own DIY air purifier.
- Listen to your body and watch for symptoms from smoke exposure.
- Be aware of the air quality nearby (link to air quality map below or on our website. )
- Do not rely on masks or bandanas for protection. Not all masks are effective and can give the false impression that you are protected from smoke. “N95” masks offer some protection if you need to be outdoors, but must be worn properly.
When air quality improves, even temporarily, and the AQI reaches yellow or green levels, ventilate the air in your home to reduce indoor air pollution. People whose homes are too hot to stay indoors with the windows closed, or who are at risk of health effects from smoke, should seek shelter elsewhere.
know the symptoms
The most commonly reported symptoms of wildfire smoke include mushy throat, sore or watery eyes, nasal congestion, sinusitis, coughing, difficulty breathing, fatigue and dizziness.
Mild symptoms of smoke exposure often include:
- cough
- headache
- burning eyes
- sore throat
- phlegm production
- changes in breathing
Dry coughs, sore throats, and difficulty breathing are common in both wildfire smoke exposure and COVID-19. If you think you have symptoms of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), talk to your doctor.
However, smoke exposure can also cause serious and life-threatening breathing difficulties, such as heart attack and stroke. In case of distress, he should call 9-1-1 immediately.
your body
Healthy people affected by smoke may have only mild symptoms. However, even healthy people may have underlying medical conditions that put them at risk. Listen to your body’s cues.
If your eyes are burning, your throat is sore, your lungs are struggling to expand, or you are coughing, stay indoors and focus on creating a “clean room” where the air is as clean as possible. please.
air quality measurement
To find information about air quality, please visit:
- EPA Air Quality Map: The US Environmental Protection Agency gets real-time air quality data from Oregon and Washington.
- Oregon Smoke Blog: Local, state, tribal and federal organizations work together to share wildfire and smoke information.
- Oregon Air Quality Map: The State Department of Environmental Quality updates the current air quality map. Heavy traffic can slow down or crash your site. The following sites offer good alternatives.
- Oregon fire map: The Oregon Department of Emergency Management updates maps of fire outbreaks, air quality, and closures.
visibility
If you do not have access to AQI information, the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has shared it with you. 5-3-1 Visibility Index Useful for smoke level estimation:
- 5 miles: Air quality is generally good.
- 3-5 miles: Air quality is unhealthy for young children, the elderly, pregnant women, people with heart or lung disease, asthma, or other respiratory ailments.
- Less than 3 miles: Air quality is bad for everyone.
- Less than a mile: Air quality is bad for everyone.
Violations relating to wood burning
To report violations of mandatory burn limits and suspected smoke from recreational fires, contact the Multnomah County Department of Environmental Health.
Get the latest information on wood burning limits.