August 27, 2020 4:20 a.m.

An Air Quality Alert remains in place through 11:00 a.m. Thursday morning, for Crater Lake, Diamond Lake, and the southern Oregon Cascades, along with much of south central and south eastern Oregon.

Forecasters at the National Weather Service said wildfires burning in the region combined with forecast conditions are causing air quality levels to fluctuate. At times, air quality may deteriorate to unhealthy levels.

The Alert said smoke can irritate people’s eyes and lungs and worsen some medical conditions. Young children, adults over age 65, pregnant women, and people with heart disease, asthma, or other respiratory conditions are most at risk.

Forecasters said those impacted by the smoke should:

*Stay inside if possible and keep windows and doors closed.

*Avoid strenuous outdoor activities

*Be aware of smoke in the area and avoid places with the highest levels

*Use high efficiency particulate air filters

*Those with heart disease, lung disease, or asthma, should follow their providers health care advice

For more information, see the DEQ’s air quality index at: https://oraqi.deq.state.or.us/home/map

The Air Quality Alert remains in place through 11:00 a.m.