Wildfires

Wildfire smoke 

Wildfires and severe smoke occur every year in Oregon and create dangerous conditions for people, especially those with chronic health conditions, infants, children and pregnant people. Follow these tips to protect yourself and your family.  

Find the current air quality in your area

Understand the Air Quality Index (AQI) 

Keep indoor air clean 

• Keep windows and doors closed.  
• Turn on air purifiers, if available. 
• Avoid smoking tobacco, using wood-burning stoves or fireplaces, burning candles or incense or using a vacuum cleaner.  
• If possible, set your air conditioning to recycle or recirculate when at home or in your car. 
• Reduce time spent outdoors for people and pets 
• Especially avoid outdoor exercise or other vigorous activities.  
• If you have to spend time outdoors, consider protecting yourself with an N95 respirator. A properly fitted N95 can protect you from some smoke particles, but does not protect from poisonous vapors or gases. Do not rely on other types of masks.   

Stay hydrated and listen to your body 

• Drink plenty of water to help reduce symptoms of scratchy throat and coughing and to help your body deal with pollutants.   
• Wildfire smoke may lead to symptoms like headache, fatigue and coughing. If you are experiencing these symptoms, go to a place with clean air if possible.  
• If you experience chest pain or difficulty breathing, call 911.   

Stay informed 

• Check local news and weather reports.   
• If you're driving, visit tripcheck.com.  
• Head to oregonsmoke.org and/or airnow.gov to check current air quality levels  
• Learn about local evacuation levels and maps.
• Call 211 or go to 211info.org for up-to-date information and resources including emergency shelter, physical and mental health referrals and more. 

Disasters and emergencies can lead to evacuations. Know the types of evacuation orders that you could experience and make a plan in advance.

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