July 26, 2019 2:50 p.m. 
The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has issued an air quality advisory for much of southwestern Oregon due to the smoke coming from the Milepost 97 Fire near Canyonville.
Josephine, Jackson, Klamath and Curry counties are affected.
The release from DEQ said smoke conditions can change rapidly near wildfires. Friday afternoon air quality monitors measuring particulate matter were reading red, or unhealthy for residents of Grants Pass, Medford, Ashland, Talent, and Cave Junction along with surrounding areas.
The release said smoke can irritate people’s eyes and lungs and worsen some medical conditions. Small children, adults over age 65, pregnant women and people with heart disease, asthma or other respiratory conditions are particularly vulnerable.
The DEQ release encouraged people impacted by the unhealthy air to:
*Stay inside if possible and avoid strenuous outdoor activity
*Avoid places that have the highest concentrations of smoke
*Those with asthma, heart or lung disease should follow the advice of their healthcare provider
*Use certified HEPA filters for indoor heating, ventilation, cooling and air purification systems.
The air quality advisory is in place through the weekend and until Monday.