Smoke from fires in Curry and Coos counties raises smoke levels in the Rogue Valley to unhealthy levels
The Moon Complex of fires in Curry and Coos counties is sending smoke into the Rogue Valley, prompting a warning from Jackson County health officials about dangerous air quality.
The fire complex, which includes the Backbone Fire and the Pinnacle Fire, was listed at 17,316 acres and 10% containment Sunday morning, according to the Watch Duty app. Evacuation orders are place for several rural areas.
“The Department of Oregon State Fire Marshal Green Team, led by Incident Commander Lance Lighty, mobilized quickly to protect threatened communities,” the Watch Duty app said. “Two task forces arrived Saturday for immediate response in the Illahe and Agness areas, focusing on structural protection as fire activity intensified.
“Later in the day, Governor Kotek invoked the Oregon Conflagration Act in response to the fast-moving fire and the imminent threat to homes,” the app said.
“Following that declaration, four additional OSFM task forces were deployed, further strengthening the protection effort in the impacted areas.”
Air quality readings in areas of Grants Pass on Sunday morning were in the 400 to 700 range, meaning conditions are hazardous, according to iqair.com. Air quality readings throughout the Interstate 5 corridor from Ashland to Central Point were in the unhealthy to very unhealthy range. Jacksonville saw readings of very unhealthy air shortly after 10 a.m.
A press release Sunday morning from Tanya Phillips, head of Jackson County Public Health, warned residents to protect themselves from wildfire smoke.
The release reads:
“Jackson County Public Health is encouraging the public to protect themselves from wildfire smoke. Wildfire smoke from the Moon Complex fire is currently impacting air quality in Jackson County.
Smoke levels can quickly rise and fall depending on weather factors, such as wind direction and how much smoke the wildfire produces. Therefore, people must be observant of the air quality during wildfire season.
Wildfire smoke is a complex mixture of air pollutants that are harmful to human health. Exposure to air pollutants in wildfire smoke can irritate the lungs, cause inflammation, alter immune function, exacerbate chronic heart and lung disease, and increase susceptibility to respiratory infections.
The particulate matter (also called “PM”) in wildfire smoke poses the biggest risk to the public’s health. Particles larger than 10 micrometers usually irritate only the eyes, nose, and throat. Fine particles 2.5 micrometers or smaller (PM2.5) can be inhaled into the deepest part of the lungs and even enter the bloodstream.
Populations known to be vulnerable to wildfire smoke exposures include: Children less than 18 years; Adults age 65 years or older; pregnant women; people with chronic health conditions such as heart or lung disease, including asthma and diabetes; outdoor workers; people of low socioeconomic status, including those who are experiencing homelessness and have limited access to medical care.
- Steps to take now to prepare for wildfire smoke:
- Know your community’s evacuation plan
- Gather emergency supplies, including respirators
During a wildfire smoke event, Jackson County Public Health Officials advise people to take the following precautions:
- Be aware of smoke concentrations in your area and avoid the places with the highest concentrations.
- Avoid strenuous outdoor activity in smoky conditions. Stay indoors with doors and windows closed. This reduces exposure to particulate matter in the air. Use air conditioning to keep your home cool if it becomes too warm.
- Other sources of particles within the home should be reduced or eliminated: smoking, using gas, wood‐burning stoves or furnaces, aerosol sprays, frying or broiling meat, burning candles or incense, and vacuuming.
- High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters and Electrostatic precipitator (ESP) filters can help provide protection. The HEPA filters trap or remove harmful particles in the air.
- Create a clean room(s) in the home to keep levels of smoke and other particles as low as possible during a wildfire smoke event.
- When riding in a car, keep the windows and vents closed; turn the air conditioning on to recirculate.
- Drink lots of water – staying hydrated can keep your airways moist, which will help reduce symptoms of respiratory irritation such as scratchy throat, running nose, and coughing.
- People exposed to smoky conditions and who suffer from asthma or other respiratory problems should follow their breathing management plans or contact their healthcare providers.
If you must be outdoors when air quality is poor, wearing a specific mask called a “particulate respirator” can also help protect your lungs from wildfire smoke. You will want to choose a mask called a “particulate respirator” that has the word “NIOSH” and either “N95” or “P100” printed on it. Masks that are not NIOSH-certified may not provide protection from small particulate matter, even when worn properly.
Many people will find it challenging to use particulate respirators. It is important to make sure the respirator fits properly and that air does not leak around the sides. It is impossible to get a good seal on individuals with facial hair. If it does not fit properly, the respirator will not provide adequate protection and may give the wearer a false sense of security. Review the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s directions on how to properly wear a particulate respirator.
Particulate respirators can make breathing more difficult and increase breathing and heart rate. They can also contribute to heat stress. Because of this, people with heart and lung disease should consult with their medical team and only wear a particulate respirator under their orders. Even healthy adults may find that the increased effort required for breathing makes it uncomfortable to wear a respirator for extended periods.
Children aged 2 years and older can wear respirators and masks. However, NIOSH-approved respirators do not come in suitable sizes for very young children. Choose a comfortable respirator or mask that your child can wear properly. If a respirator or mask fits poorly or is uncomfortable, a child might take it off or wear it incorrectly (for example, pulling it down from their nose).
Use the Oregon Smoke Information Blog, oregonsmoke.org, for updated air quality advisories, wildfire smoke forecasts, and other information.”
This story first appeared in the Rogue Valley Times.
