July 22, 2024 4:20 p.m. 

An Air Quality Alert is in effect until 5:00 p.m. Wednesday for parts of southern Oregon.

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has issued an Air Pollution Advisory for eastern Douglas County and Klamath County due to numerous wildfires burning in the region.

DEQ also expects intermittent smoke in Jackson, Josephine, and northern Lake County through at least Wednesday, due to smoke from the Diamond Complex Fire.

Wildfire smoke combined with forecast conditions will cause air quality levels to fluctuate and could be at unhealthy levels. Smoke levels can change rapidly depending on the weather. Smoke can irritate the eyes and lungs and worsen some medical conditions.

People most at risk include infants and young children, people with heart or lung disease, older adults and those who are pregnant.

Residents can take the following precautions to protect their health:

*Follow local burn restrictions to prevent deteriorating air quality

*Avoid strenuous outdoor activity during periods of poor air quality

*People with heart or lung problems and young children are especially vulnerable. Those people should stay indoors while smoke levels are high

*Use certified High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters in indoor heating, ventilation, cooling and air purification systems.

*Avoid using wood-burning stoves and other sources of indoor smoke if possible

For more information, go to www.oregonsmoke.org