September 3, 2021 2:20 p.m.

An Air Quality Alert is in effect through 5:00 p.m. Saturday for much of southern Oregon.

Staff at the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality said wildfires burning in the region combined with forecast conditions will cause air quality levels to fluctuate and could be at unhealthy levels.

The Alert area includes Douglas, Josephine, Jackson, and Klamath counties. It is in effect until Tuesday afternoon for Jackson and Klamath counties.

Smoke can irritate the eyes and lungs and can worsen some medical conditions. People most at risk to adverse health effects include infants, young children, people with heart or lung disease, older adults and pregnant women.

Smoke levels can change rapidly depending on the weather. Check current conditions on the DEQ’s Air Quality Index at: https://oraqi.deq.state.or.us/home/map