Track current Oregon air quality conditions as wildfires spread
Grace PaterasFire crews across northwest Oregon are battling extreme winds and historically challenging fire conditions as multiple wildfires spread into populated areas east of Salem and Eugene.
The fires have spread on historically high winds from the east that have outstripped even the most dire projections. The winds are not expected to slow down much Tuesday, meteorologists with the National Weather Service said.
Air quality dropped to unhealthy levels across Central Oregon and has moved to "unhealthy for sensitive groups" in Detroit Lake.
More:Numerous wildfires bring 'Go Now' orders for multiple areas
Smoke and ash from Oregon's 20,600-acre Lionshead Fire, burning near Mount Jefferson, and the Beachie Creek Fire, near Opal Creek, began making its way into the Willamette Valley Monday afternoon.
In the meantime, a growing cluster of wildfires in Washington are bringing additional smoke to Central and Western Oregon.
Use our up-to-date Air Quality Index (AQI) forecast map below to see current conditions.
Air Quality Index
The Air Quality Index (AQI) identifies air quality as it relates to health effects you may experience within a few hours or days after breathing polluted air. Ground-level ozone and airborne particles (PM2.5 and PM10) pose the greatest threat to human health.
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The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality issued an air quality advisory for the Portland Metro area, Willamette Valley, Columbia River Gorge that will remain in effect through Tuesday afternoon.
The advisory could last longer if conditions remain poor.
Oregon wildfires:Air quality declines as winds bring smoke to Willamette Valley
To stay safe, officials suggested:
- Stay inside if possible. Keep windows and doors closed.
- Avoid strenuous outdoor activity.
- Be aware of smoke in your area and avoid places with the highest levels.
- Use high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters. These can be portable filters or can be installed in indoor heating, ventilation, cooling and air purification systems.
- If you have heart or lung disease or asthma, follow your healthcare provider’s advice.
Zach Urness and David Davis contributed to this report.
Grace Pateras is a Digital Producer for the USA TODAY Network. Follow her on Twitter at @gracepateras.