The arrival of spring brings many welcome changes to Central Oregon, such as warmer weather and longer days. It is also the best time to get ready for wildfire smoke season.
When springtime conditions allow, land managers with Deschutes National Forest, Ochoco National Forest, and Crooked River Grasslands conduct prescribed burns on the forest. While prescribed burns are a key tool to protect the community, they can cause smoke impacts which reduce air quality and are harmful to health.
Here are some ways to protect your health during prescribed burn and wildfire season:
- Stay informed about planned burn activity. Bookmark the Central Oregon Fire website. Sign up for text message alerts by texting “COFIRE” to 888-777.
- Be sure to close windows and doors overnight when burns are taking place.
- Talk with your health care team and make a plan for how to manage your health conditions when it is smoky.
- Check air quality reports and monitors for real-time information about current and expected air quality.
- Be willing to change outdoor activities to avoid smoke.
- Keep indoor air as clean as possible. Consider using an air purifier, or upgrading your HVAC filter. You can make a filter fan at low cost.
- Consider wearing an N95 mask for extreme smoke or long periods of time outside.
- Call 211 to find cleaner indoor air spaces.
Learn more about protecting your health from smoke.