Health Concerns during Fire Season

Health Concerns During Fire Season

The prevalence of fires in the Northwest can impact people’s health, especially when the air quality is impaired. The OSU Extension Service continues to work diligently to create a Smoke Ready Gorge. 

The most important information is found at smokereadygorge.org, and the Smoke Ready Gorge brochure highlights basic information in English and Spanish.

Monitoring Air Quality

Real-time air quality measurements are available online

When air quality is poor due to wildfire smoke, there are steps you can take to protect your health and improve indoor air quality. Some individuals are more affected by unhealthy air quality than others. Over 60% of the public is considered sensitive to wildfire smoke, including those younger than 21 or over 65, pregnant individuals, and people with chronic health conditions, such as asthma, heart, or lung disease. Outdoor workers and the unhoused are also at higher risk.

The Air Quality Index (AQI) measures air quality ranging from “Good” to “Hazardous.” Checking the local AQI can help you decide whether to take precautions against the harmful effects of smoke. In the Columbia Gorge, an expanding network of air quality monitors helps you better determine air quality conditions across the region. OSU Extension – Hood River County has installed numerous AQI monitors throughout the county and is in the process of adding monitors at K-12 schools. Those monitors can be viewed at smokereadygorge.org. Tips for keeping indoor air as clean as possible are also available.

Improving Indoor Air Quality

During smoke events, it’s best to stay indoors as much as possible. Use indoor air filters and purifiers to help clean the air and improve indoor air quality. Both commercial and do-it-yourself box fan filters are effective for this purpose. This guide from OSU Extension (beav.es/SmokeReady) offers information on improving indoor air quality and includes instructions to build a low-cost air filter.

If you must go outside during smoke events, make sure to wear a tightly fitted N95 mask to prevent smoke from entering your lungs and causing lasting damage.

Be Notified of Emergencies

Sign up for emergency alerts

Hood River County Emergency Management is responsible for preparing for, coordinating responses, providing logistical support, mitigating risks, and facilitating community recovery following natural and man-made disasters and large-scale emergencies. It operates as part of a mutual aid cooperative with nearby jurisdictions and organizations.

Residents of Hood River County can receive Emergency notifications from the Emergency Management Department. These notifications provide critical information quickly for various situations, including evacuations, severe weather warnings, and other time-critical emergencies. You can sign up to receive time-sensitive messages wherever you specify (your home, mobile or business phones, email address, text messages, and more). To register or check your preferences, click here.