August 15, 2021 7:00 a.m.

An Air Quality Alert for central Douglas County and much of southern Oregon is in effect through 12:00 p.m. on Monday.

Staff at the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality said a high concentration of smoke particulates from the numerous wildfires in the region are impacting the air quality.

Smoke can irritate the eyes and lungs, and can worsen medical conditions. People most at risk for adverse health affects include infants, young children, people with heart or lung disease, older adults and pregnant women. DEQ said smoke levels can change rapidly depending on weather. Check current conditions by going to: https://www.oregon.gov/deq/aq/pages/aqi.aspx