Smoke Will Reach Very Unhealthy Levels for the Klamath River Drainage Today

Press release from the North Coast Unified Air Quality Management District (NCUAQMD) and partners:

HUMBOLDT COUNTY: Very Unhealthy with periods of Hazardous smoke levels for communities in the Klamath River Drainage (Orleans, Weitchpec). Smoke levels in these areas are forecast to be Very Unhealthy throughout the day. In the deeper and/or narrower valleys and canyons, inversions may last all day, and near the fires air quality will be poor as smoke gathers creating a health hazard. These conditions could be problematic for those with health conditions.

Updates will be provided should conditions change.

People are recommended to restrict outdoor activities when possible.

Symptoms that may be related to excess smoke exposure include:
 Repeated coughing
 Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
 Wheezing
 Chest tightness or pain
 Palpitations
 Nausea or unusual fatigue
 Lightheadedness
If you have any of the symptoms listed above, contact your health care provider. Please see the NCUAQMD’s General Public Service Announcement for recommendations on limiting smoke exposure.

For 24-hour Air Quality Advisory Information, call the NCUAQMD’s hotline toll-free at 1-866-BURN-DAY (1-866-287-6329), or visit the website at www.ncuaqmd.org.Health Information for Smoke Impacts

Concentrations of smoke may vary depending upon location, weather, and distance from the fire. Smoke from wildfires and structure fires contain harmful chemicals that can affect
your health. Smoke can cause eye and throat irritation, coughing, and difficulty breathing. People who are at greatest risk of experiencing symptoms due to smoke include: those with
respiratory disease (such as asthma), those with heart disease, young children, and older adults.

These sensitive populations should stay indoors and avoid prolonged activity. All others should limit prolonged or heavy activity and time spent outdoors. Even healthy adults can
be affected by smoke. Seek medical help if you have symptoms that worsen or become severe.

If you can see, taste, or feel smoke, contact your local health department and/or primary healthcare provider. This is especially important if you have health concerns, are elderly,
are pregnant, or have a child in your care.

Follow these general precautions to protect your health during a smoke event:
 Minimize or stop outdoor activities, especially exercise
 Stay indoors with windows and doors closed as much as possible
 Do not run fans that bring smoky outdoor air inside – examples include swamp
coolers, whole-house fans, and fresh air ventilation systems
 Run your air-conditioner only if it does not bring smoke in from the outdoors. Change
the standard air conditioner filter to a medium or high efficiency filter. If available, use
the “re-circulate” or “recycle” setting on the unit
 Do not smoke, fry food, or do other things that will create indoor air pollution

If you have lung disease (including asthma) or heart disease, closely monitor your health and contact your doctor if you have symptoms that worsen.

Consider leaving the area until smoke conditions improve if you have repeated coughing, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, wheezing, chest tightness or pain, palpitations,
nausea, unusual fatigue, lightheadedness.

For 24-hour Air Quality Advisory Information, call toll-free at 1-866-BURN-DAY (1-866-287-6329).

For further information, visit the District’s website at www.ncuaqmd.org

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Bozo
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Bozo
6 years ago

Was up in Orygun over the weekend.

On 199… from Cave Junction on… nasty… smoky. People were not out on the streets.
Grants Pass was a smokey disaster. Smoke finally cleared out north of Roseburg on Friday.
Eugene was clear on Friday… but turned BAD on the weekend. On Sunday… the sun was a red glow.
Monday morning… couldn’t even see the sun. Came back Monday on the coast… all smoky.
Worst was Gold Beach.

Smoke finally cleared out (on the beach anyway) south of the Klamath River.

Dan Fuller
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Dan Fuller
6 years ago
Reply to  Bozo

*Oregon

gunther
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gunther
6 years ago
Reply to  Dan Fuller

Orygun is fine. It’s kind of like Warshington.

G-MAS
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G-MAS
6 years ago
Reply to  Bozo

Thanks for your information.my family lives in Medford but son drives those roads!!be safe

Bozo
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Bozo
6 years ago

>”*Oregon”

Orygun if you’re local. :>)

Poppins
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Poppins
6 years ago

The air in Hoopa was so poor by 12:20 students were sent inside. Hoopa El has a great new public address system and it worked really well to get the word out and to bring the children inside. Good job!

john
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john
6 years ago

I was told by a CalFire professional several years ago that breathing heavy smoke for a day from a wildfire is comparable to smoking five packs of cigarettes per day. With 100+ degree days coming up its going to be tough for many people.

Sparklemahn
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Sparklemahn
6 years ago
Reply to  john

Brutal. Smoking butts is for addictive, suck your thumb types. Yet smoke em if you got em since there are way too many humans. Thanks.