Air Quality Alert Issued For Douglas County As Wildfire Smoke Moves In

An air quality alert is in effect until further notice for portions of Douglas County as smoke from the Castle Fire and other wildfires moves into the area.

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality issued the advisory Tuesday afternoon for eastern Douglas County. The National Weather Service alert includes Roseburg, Winchester, Sutherlin, Umpqua and Green.

Officials said smoke from the Castle Fire, combined with wildfires burning farther north and northerly winds, is expected to reduce air quality over the next several days.

Smoke conditions may change quickly depending on wind direction and fire activity. Some improvement is possible toward the end of the week.

Those most at risk from wildfire smoke include infants, young children, older adults, pregnant people and individuals with heart or lung conditions.

Residents are encouraged to avoid strenuous outdoor activity when air quality is poor and remain indoors when smoke levels are high. Officials also recommend using certified High Efficiency Particulate Air, or HEPA, filters in home heating, cooling and air purification systems.

People should continue following local burn restrictions to avoid further deterioration of air quality.

Current smoke conditions and additional information are available at https://oregonsmoke.org.