Health Tips for Wildfire Smoke

Deschutes County Health Services advises residents to take health precautions during smoke episodes. Smoke can irritate the eyes and lungs and worsen some medical conditions. People most at risk include infants and young children, people with heart or lung disease, older adults and pregnant women. However, it is important for everyone to limit exposure to wildfire smoke.

Wildfire smoke can come from wildfires that are nearby or very far away. In Spring and Fall, prescribed burning can also have smoke impacts, typically overnight and in the early morning hours.

How to protect yourself from wildfire smoke

• Stay inside if possible. Keep windows and doors closed. If it’s too hot, run air conditioning on recirculate or consider moving to a cooler location.
• Avoid strenuous outdoor activity.
• Use a high-efficiency particulate air filter (HEPA) in your HVAC system or portable air purifier. You can assemble a DIY box fan filter help clear the air in your home.
• Set your A/C or heating unit to recirculate when at home or in your car, so you aren’t pulling smoky air inside.
• Be aware of smoke in your area and avoid places with the highest levels.
• When air quality improves to moderate or healthy (yellow or green on the Air Quality Index), open windows and doors to air out your home.
• If you have a breathing plan for a medical condition, be sure to follow it and keep any needed medications refilled.

Create a cleaner air room in your home

• Use a portable air cleaner in one or more rooms. Learn more about how to choose a portable air cleaner, or consider using a DIY box fan filter with a MERV filter rated 13 or higher. Portable air cleaners work best when run continuously with doors and windows closed. Never leave it unattended. Find step-by-step directions here.
• If you have a forced air system in your home, talk to a qualified heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) professional about different filters (MERV-13 or higher) and settings (“Recirculate” and “On” rather than “Auto”) you can use to reduce indoor smoke.
• When you can, use air conditioners, heat pumps, fans, and window shades to keep your cleaner air space comfortably cool on hot days.
• Avoid activities that create more indoor and outdoor air pollution, such as frying foods, sweeping, vacuuming, and using gas-powered appliances.

What types of masks may help with wildfire smoke

Cloth, dust and surgical masks don’t protect from the harmful particles in smoke. N95 or P100 respirators approved by NIOSH may offer protection, but they must be properly fitted and worn. Select a NIOSH-approved respirator with a N, R or P alongside the number 95, 99 or 100. They won’t work for everyone, especially children. People with heart or lung conditions should consult their doctor before wearing a respirator.

Stay up-to-date on air quality

The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a way of reporting the amount of pollution in the air . The higher the AQI value, the higher the amount of pollution. AQI tells us about the total amount of pollutants in the air, not just wildfire smoke – but it is a good way to know how smoky the air is. AQI levels at 101 or above are considered unhealthy for sensitive groups (USG). Wildfire smoke is a health concern for everyone  when the AQI is 1511 or higher (Red, Purple, or Maroon).  Learn more about what AQI means for you when it is smoky.

The amount of smoke in the air can change throughout the day and across different areas. The good news is, the number of air quality monitors has gone up in our area. Find out where the smoke is by checking websites or apps that show the AQI on a map.

There are many ways to get current information on air quality.

• Check the Oregon DEQ monitors at https://oraqi.deq.state.or.us/home/map or download the Oregon Air app
• Visit Fire.airnow.gov for air quality and wildfire information on one map
• Download the Purple Air app
• The Oregon Smoke Information website posts air quality advisories and smoke outlooks
• Central Oregon Fire has information about prescribed fire activity and wildfires impacting the region

The Oregon DEQ issues Wildfire Smoke Advisories when smoke is expected to impact air quality. Wildfire Smoke Advisories tell us where smoke is expected, and for how long. Air Quality Advisories tell us when to be prepared for smoky conditions. If air quality impacts are expected to be less severe, the DEQ may issue an Advisory for intermittent smoke. The National Weather Service shares Wildfire Smoke Advisories along with weather forecasts. When there is a Wildfire Smoke Advisory in your area it is important to follow the recommendations above to protect your health.

Sign up for emergency alerts

You can sign up for emergency alerts to be notified of evacuations at www.deschutes.org/911/alerts. 

Sign up for text alerts from Central Oregon Fire to get updates about prescribed fire activity: text COFIRE to 888-777.

Groups more sensitive to smoke

Smoke may worsen symptoms for people who have health conditions and those who are particularly sensitive to air pollution. Your health care team can help you make a plan to manage your health conditions when it is smoky.

• People with asthma or other chronic respiratory diseases, such as COPD
• People with cardiovascular disease
• People 65 years of age or older
• Infants and children
• Pregnant women
• Smokers, especially those who have smoked for several years

Additional Resources

Find cleaner air and cooling spaces operating in Deschutes County here.

Learn more about protecting your health during wildfires here.