Klamath County to expect smoky air conditions through Thursday

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NWS Satellite image showing smoke from the Bedrock Fire funneling into the top of Klamath County.

The following is a press release from Klamath County Public Health

KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. – Klamath County Public Health (KCPH) officials determined this morning that smoke from Lane County’s Bedrock Fire will affect Klamath County through Thursday.

“Looking at the weather, we expect North Klamath County to experience smoke throughout the next several days,” said KCPH Director Jennifer Little. “For the rest of the county, we will experience smoke at night. Clearing is expected by the afternoon.”

This morning’s fire update listed the Bedrock Fire at being 3% contained and covering 10,659 acres.

“The National Weather Service also forecasts dry thunderstorms, beginning Thursday and continuing through Saturday,” Little said. 

There can be air quality changes from moment to moment. Check hourly air quality conditions at https://aqi.oregon.gov/ or https://www.airnow.gov/. 

Living with smoky air

Locations of cleaner, cooler air spaces can be found at https://www.klamathcounty.org/1286/Cleaner-cooler-air-spaces. 

Below are some suggestions for dealing with smoky air.

Stay indoors and keep indoor air clean. When the air quality is poor from wildfire smoke, reduce outdoor physical activity. As the air quality worsens you will need to go indoors and take additional steps to keep smoke out of your home to improve indoor air quality.  

Reduce intake of smoke into your home. To keep indoor air clean and wildfire smoke from entering your home: 

  • Close windows and doors when it is smoky outside. Track the air quality and open your windows for fresh air when the air quality improves. 

  • Pay attention to heat and take steps to keep it cool indoors by closing curtains during daylight, using an air conditioner or fans. If it’s still too hot, open windows to avoid heat exhaustion and other heat illnesses. 

  • Set air conditioners on recirculate to prevent intake of outside air. 

  • Turn off fans that vent to the outside, like the one in your bathroom. Exhaust fans pull outside air in through cracks around windows and doors.

Updated to include new cover photo.