September 8, 2021 4:10 a.m.  

An Air Quality Alert continues for all of southern Oregon, except for areas at and near the coast.

Staff with 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 eastern Douglas county and all of Josephine, Jackson, Klamath and Lake counties.

DEQ said 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 Air Quality Index: https://aqicn.org/map/oregon/

When smoke levels are high residents should:

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

*Avoid strenuous outdoor activity

*Use high efficiency particulate air filters in indoor ventilation systems or portable air purifiers

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

*Those with heart or lung disease or asthma should follow the advice of their healthcare provider

For more information, go to: https://www.oregon.gov/deq/Pages/index.aspx