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October 14, 2022
Friday, October 14, 2022
Media contacts: Ryan Yambra ryan.yambra@multco.us
Due to air pollution from wildfire smoke, the Department of Health will reinstate a mandatory wood burning ban
Forecasts call for continued wildfire smoke and poor air quality through the weekend and into early next week; Multnomah County’s advisory asks people to refrain from burning wood until it is lifted. Local health officials warn of the dangers of exposure to smoke
Wildfire smoke from the Pacific Northwest has drifted into the Portland metro area this week, degrading air quality and prompting health officials to issue another. Mandatory wood burning limit(Red Day) for Multnomah County residents today, Friday, October 14th. 
Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) In addition, persistent smog in the Portland metro area has extended an air quality advisory through the weekend. Conditions are expected to be different in the coming week as intermittent smoke settles in our area.
“It may seem like major open-window weather with moderate temperatures and falling temperatures, but with wildfire smoke entering the metro area, we encourage people to monitor air quality because conditions can change quickly,” said Nadge Dubuisson, who works on air quality in the health department. “Use an indoor air purifier if it’s available to you, especially if you have someone in your family who has air quality issues.”
People at higher risk of exposure to secondhand smoke include pregnant women, children, people with heart or lung problems, and the elderly. Residents can protect their health and reduce pollution at home by turning on an air filter or learn how to build one. Visit multco.us/wildfiresmoke To know more.
Health officials continue to monitor the situation. As conditions improve, the air quality burning limit will be raised. Burning limits are posted on multco.us/woodsmokestatus.
This is the third burn ban this month — also known as a red day — and the eighth since the Multnomah County Board of Commissioners extended it. The county’s wood smoke ban ordinance Year-round in February 2022. This restriction does not apply to cooking, but residents should be careful when cooking outside. There is an exemption for people in emergency situations.
People at risk
People at risk from smoke exposure include pregnant women, children, people with pre-existing heart disease, people with chronic lung disease, and the elderly.
People who work outside the home are also at higher risk. Employers should visit Oregon OSHA Requirements and recommendations to protect worker health.
What should you do?
Keep windows and doors closed (temperature permitting). If it’s too hot indoors, find cool indoor air.
- If you spend time outdoors, avoid vigorous exercise outdoors during periods of poor air quality.
- If available, set the AC to circulate air, use an air purifier with a HEPA filter, or build your own DIY air purifier.
- Listen to your body and watch for signs of smoke exposure.
- Track the air quality near you (links to air quality maps below or on our website.)
- Do not rely on a mask or bandana for protection. Not all masks are effective and can give a false impression of smoke protection. If you must be outdoors, an “N95” respirator may provide some protection, but must be worn properly.
When air quality improves and reaches a yellow or green rating on the Air Quality Index, dehumidify your home to temporarily reduce indoor air pollution. People who are too hot to stay in homes with windows closed or who are at risk of smoke-related health problems should seek shelter elsewhere.
Know the signs
Commonly reported symptoms of wildfire smoke include a scratchy throat, stinging or watery eyes, stuffy nose, sinus irritation, coughing, difficulty breathing, and fatigue or dizziness.
Mild symptoms of smoke exposure usually include:
- Cough
- Headache
- Burning eyes
- sore throat
- Sputum production
- Breathing changes
A dry cough, sore throat, and difficulty breathing are common to wildfire smoke exposure and covid-19. If you believe you may be experiencing symptoms of Covid-19, contact your doctor.
But smoke exposure can cause serious and life-threatening respiratory problems, including heart attack and stroke. If you are in distress, call 9-1-1 immediately.
Your body
Healthy people exposed to smoke may have only mild symptoms. But healthy people can have chronic health conditions that put them at risk. Listen to your body’s signals.
If your eyes are burning, your throat is sore, your lungs are difficult to expand, or you’re coughing, stay inside and focus on creating a “clean room” where the air is as clean as possible.
Air quality measurement
For air quality information, visit:
- Oregon Smoke BlogLocal, state, tribal and federal organizations coordinate to share information about wildfires and smoke.
- Oregon air quality mapThe state Department of Environmental Quality has updated its current air quality map. The site may slow down or crash due to high traffic. The sites below offer good options.
- EPA air quality mapThe US Environmental Protection Agency releases real-time air quality data from Oregon and Washington states.
- Oregon state fire hazard mapThe Oregon Office of Emergency Management has updated its active fire, air quality and closure map.
Visibility
If you can’t find AQI data, the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality shares it. 5-3-1 Visibility index It helps to estimate the amount of smoke:
- Five miles: Air quality is generally good.
- Three to five miles: Air quality is unhealthy for young children, the elderly, pregnant women, and those with heart or lung disease, asthma, or other respiratory problems.
- Less than three miles: Air quality is not healthy for everyone.
- Less than a mile: Air quality is not healthy for everyone.
Wood burning violations
Contact Multnomah County Environmental Health to report a suspected violation of the mandatory burn ban and smoke from recreational fires:
Communicate wood burning restrictions;
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