Smoke levels can change rapidly depending on weather and multiple fires around the region will remain active through late summer. Each day, smoke levels may increase quickly and become unhealthy for sensitive groups (over 100 AQI) or periods of unhealthy (over 150 AQI) or higher, as smoke settles into the Rogue Valley from regional fires. Check current conditions on the Oregon Smoke Information Blog, DEQ’s Air Quality Index, or by downloading the free OregonAIR app. You can monitor fire status on the Watch Duty app or Inciweb.gov. The City of Ashland, through Smokewise Ashland, is providing free respirators to community members and will offer two classes for building free do-it-yourself air purifiers on August 24th. 

Pick-up a NIOSH Certified Free N-95 Mask (Respirator)! Smokewise Ashland will be placing several free NIOSH certified N-95 respirators around the community for reducing smoke exposure. Find respirators(masks) at the following locations: 

• Ashland Chamber of Commerce, 110 E. Main Street, Days: Mon-Fri, Hours: 9 am – 4 pm
• Senior Center, 1699 Homes Ave, Days: Mon-Thurs, Hours: 8:30 am – 3:30 pm
• Community Development, 51 Winburn Way, Days: Mon-Fri, Hours:  9 am  –  3 pm

Do-it-Yourself Air Filter Building Class: Join us for a free class to learn more about how to improve indoor air quality and build your own DIY air filter (a $50 value). Class space is limited so please register in advance.

• When: Saturday, August 24th
• Class Time(s) are 11 am to 12 pm and 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm

People most at risk include infants and young children, people with heart or lung disease, older adults and pregnant people. Consider registering for this class and getting a free respirator if you or anyone in your household are at higher risk.

 Protect yourself and your family when smoke is in the air:

• Monitor the Air Quality Index (AQI) via SmokeWiseAshland.org or Airnow.gov. 
• Stay inside if possible. Keep windows and doors closed. If it’s too hot, run air conditioning on recirculate or consider moving to a cooler location.
• Avoid strenuous outdoor activity. 
• Use high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters in indoor ventilation systems or portable air purifiers. Or create your own air purifying filter by following these instructions.
• Be aware of smoke in your area and avoid places with the highest levels.
• When air quality improves to moderate or healthy (yellow or green on the Air Quality Index), open windows and doors to air out homes and businesses.
• If you have a breathing plan for a medical condition, be sure to follow it and keep any needed medications refilled.

Cloth, dust and surgical masks don’t protect from the harmful particles in smoke. N95 or P100 respirators approved by NIOSH may offer protection, but they must be properly selected and worn. Select a NIOSH-approved respirator with a N, R or P alongside the number 95, 99 or 100. Learn how to put on and use a respirator. Respirators won’t work for children as they don’t come in children’s sizes. People with heart or lung conditions should consult their health care provider before wearing a respirator.

Access local resources and take action! Visit www.smokewiseashland.org to see the air quality index, see the live camera feed of the Ashland watershed and learn how to reduce your exposure by wearing a respirator properly and improving indoor air quality. Be sure to follow your doctor's recommendations and take recommended health precautions. 

Be aware of area wildfires and air quality. Please be situationally aware in the community and download the 'Watch Duty' app.

Additional resources:

• Find a cleaner air space in your area: Visit 211info.org and search for “Wildfire Related Clean Air Shelters.” Or call 211 any time or day.
• Learn more about protecting your health during wildfires
• Create Healthy Indoor Air | Ashland, OR
• Smokewise Ashland | Ashland, OR
• Register For Citizen Alert Today!
• Emergency Preparedness | Ashland, OR