Particles larger than 10 micrometers usually irritate only the eyes, nose and throat. The potential health effects vary based on the type of plants burning, atmospheric conditions and, most importantly, the size of the particles. The particulate matter (also called “PM”) in wildfire smoke poses the biggest risk to the public’s health. For more information, visit the Oregon Health Authorities frequently asked questions about wildfire smoke and public health (PDF). Inhaling smoke is never healthy, and we advise people to protect themselves by paying attention to local air quality reports, keeping indoor air clean, following your doctor’s advice, and evacuate if needed.

Wildfire smoke is especially harmful for seniors, children under 12, and people with pre-existing heart/lung conditions. If you are experiencing serious medical problems for any reason, seek medical attention immediately The amount and length of smoke exposure, as well as a person’s age and degree of susceptibility, play a role in determining if someone will experience smoke-related health problems. Smoke can irritate your eyes and your respiratory system, and worsen chronic heart and lung diseases. In wildfires, carbon monoxide is mainly a risk to people (like firefighters) who work near smoldering areas. The gases and fine particles can be dangerous if inhaled. Wildfire smoke is a mixture of gases and fine particles from burning trees and other plant material. There is another air quality map here that also shows you the location of nearby wildfires. The Oregon Smoke Blog will have the most up to date forecasting information around fires and wildfire smoke across the state.They also have an app for your smartphones called “OregonAir” that can send you notifications about your local air quality. The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has a statewide air quality map with Lane County’s information on it.The Oregon Health Authority also has health-related resources, as well as information on respirators and indoor air pollution during wildfire season.The EPA has numerous resources detailing the health impacts people experience as a result of wildfire smoke and what you can do to protect yourself and your family.

Lane County Public Health offers lots of info on wildfire smoke and health. They are a major partner with us regarding wildfire smoke episodes.

Visitor areas of the park have been largely kept open (2)(3).LRAPA encourages residents to prepare for wildfire season and familiarize themselves with the various resources available: The fire is described as burning at low intensity and posing no threats to life or property, and smoke impacts are being mitigated as much as possible. There are no specific evacuation orders or alerts. Are there any evacuation orders or alerts in place? The containment area is approximately 3,000 acres. This strategy aims to reduce smoke duration, mitigate risks, and still maintain the ecological benefits of controlled burns. The fire management team is implementing a 'confine and contain strategy' to suppress the fire within a larger footprint, utilizing natural and manmade barriers. What is the current containment status of the wildfire?Īs of September 15, the Redwood Fire is assessed at 650 acres in size.įirefighters have been conducting aerial and hand ignitions to manage the fire.

Three Rivers: Elevated concentrations in the unhealthy range have been experienced in nearby Three Rivers.

Giant Forest: Smoke impacts from the fire are visible in the Giant Forest area within the park.

Sequoia National Park: The wildfire is primarily within the boundaries of Sequoia National Park, in particular in Redwood Meadow.

Which cities or areas are affected by the wildfire? The fire is considered a less immediate threat to communities compared to previous wildfires in the region, though poor air quality is affecting some cities. Sequoia National Park is within the Sierra Nevada mountain range.Īs of September 15, 2023, the Redwood Fire is being actively managed with a focus on both fire containment and ecological benefits (1). The Redwood Fire is burning in the wilderness of Sequoia National Park, California near Redwood Meadow. What is the name and location of the wildfire?

Current california fire smoke map