DEQ issues air quality advisory July 29 for parts of E. Oregon
Published 12:13 pm Wednesday, July 29, 2026
(aqi.oregon.gov/Screenshot)
The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality issued an air quality advisory Wednesday, July 29, 2026, for Baker, Crook, Hood River, Jefferson, northern Malheur, Union, Wallowa and Wasco counties due to smoke from Southern, Central and Eastern Oregon
DEQ expects the air quality advisory to last until further notice. DEQ and partner agencies will continue to monitor smoke in the area
DEQ expects intermittent smoke in Gilliam, Grant, Harney, southern Malheur, Morrow, Sherman, Umatilla and Wheeler counties
Smoke levels can change rapidly depending on weather. Check conditions on the Oregon Smoke Information Blog, DEQ’s Air Quality Index or by downloading the free OregonAIR app on your smartphone
Smoke can irritate the eyes and lungs and worsen some medical conditions. People most at risk include infants and young children, people with heart or lung disease, older adults and pregnant people
To protect yourself and your family when smoke levels are high, the DEQ advises the following:
- 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 follow these instructions to create your own air purifying filter.
- 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. NIOSH-approved N95 or P100 respirators 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.
Additional resources
Find a cleaner air space in your area
- Visit 211info.org and search for “Wildfire Related Clean Air Shelters.” Or call 211 during business hours (8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Friday)
- Learn more about protecting your health during wildfires.
Read the advisory on the Oregon Smoke Information Blog here
