Smoke Intrusion from California Wildfire Influences Klamath’s Air Quality

Smoke from wildfires in California are expected to influence air quality in Klamath County. (File Photo, Klamathon Fire, Inciweb)

KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. – Smoke intrusion from regional wildfires is expected to create air quality concerns in Klamath County. The air quality outlook from 8 a.m. Wednesday, July 18, to 11 a.m. Thursday, July 19, is expected to be in the range of unhealthy for sensitive groups to unhealthy for all.

The Weather Service is forecasting west winds during the day, which will facilitate the smoke reaching the Klamath Basin. Forecast models indicate that the smoke may remain in the area into midafternoon. Sensitive groups, such as people with asthma, should avoid prolonged or heavy exertion, and consider moving activities indoors or rescheduling.  Everyone should reduce prolonged or heavy exertion, and take more breaks during all outdoor activities.  

Weather conditions and smoke levels can vary dramatically during wildfires, not only from one day to the next but on an hourly basis. Smoke may also impact one portion of a community but not another.

To learn how to use visibility to measure risk of health effects, visit

http://www.oregon.gov/deq/aq/Pages/Wildfires-Visibility.aspx.

Press release provided from Klamath County Public Health.