Smoky skies prompt Umatilla County health warning

PENDLETON — Air quality should suffer the next several days in Pendleton and Hermiston as smoke pours in from wildfires burning across northeast Oregon.

The Eagle Complex and Cornet fires, in particular, are growing fast in size and forcing evacuations in some areas. Hot weather and high winds continue to make conditions difficult for firefighters.

Pendleton is expected to get more smoke than Hermiston, according to the Umatilla County Health Department. As smoke increases, it should spread farther west causing widespread haze.

Currently, air quality levels are at moderate risk levels in the area.

“Smoke conditions can change rapidly depending on wind speed and direction, so it is important for people to monitor air quality levels throughout the day,” said Meghan DeBolt, health department director. “Wildfire smoke may increase the risk of illness especially for older adults, young children and people with asthma, respiratory or heart conditions.”

DeBolt said people should limit their outdoor activities when air quality levels are moderate to unhealthy. Residents should also reduce sources of indoor air pollution such as burning cigarettes and candles, using gas, propane or wood burning stoves and furnaces, and vacuuming.

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality posts its air quality index online at www.deq.state.or.us/aqi/index.aspx.

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