Oregon DEQ issues air quality health advisory for multiple counties due to wildfire smoke
Tue, July 21, 2026 at 1:57 PM
UpdatedTue, July 21, 2026 at 5:12 PM
3VIEW ALL PHOTOS
Oregon DEQ issued an air quality advisory for Portland metro, Salem, Hermiston and Ontario through 8 p.m. July 22 as ozone smog rises. (KATU)
PORTLAND, Ore. (KATU) —The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has issued an air quality advisory for several Oregon counties as smoke from wildfires burning statewide spreads across the region
An air quality advisory was issued for Baker; Clackamas; Crook; Deschutes; Grant; Northern Harney; Northern Jackson; Jefferson; Northern Malheur; Union; Umatilla; Wallowa; and Wheeler counties until Wednesday afternoon
While much of eastern Oregon is dealing with dangerous wildfire smoke, the DEQ says the metro area is also beginning to see some impacts. An alert for the Portland metro area, Salem, Hermiston, and Ontario, also began Tuesday morning through 8 p.m. Wednesday, July 22
“Portland is seeing a bit of wildfire smoke blow into the area,” said Jennifer Horton with the DEQ
Horton said the worst air quality remains east of the Cascades
“Unfortunately, we’re seeing really bad air quality basically across the eastern portion of the state,” Horton said. “So everywhere east of the Cascades we have a lot of wildfires on the landscape and we’re seeing poor air quality from that wildfire smoke.”
READ ALSO | Doctor offers advice for protecting your health from smoke-filled skies
While that does not include the Portland metro area, Horton said the smoke drifting into western Oregon is contributing to another air quality concern
“So in addition to just having that haze that Portland is seeing, the smoke is also contributing to ground-level ozone,” she said
Ground-level ozone can irritate the respiratory system and worsen existing health conditions
“So ozone can aggravate your respiratory system,” Horton said. “At first people may just feel some chest pain, some coughing, some shortness of breath, but it can actually also aggravate existing conditions like asthma and make those worse.”
DEQ says ozone pollution could reach unhealthy levels for sensitive groups, including children, pregnant people, older adults and people with heart or respiratory conditions
Horton recommends those most at risk stay indoors during the hottest parts of the day
“And if you’re able to stay indoors during the hottest parts of the day when ozone levels are going to be the highest, that will help alle
DEQ is also encouraging people to help reduce pollution by limiting activities that contribute to ozone formation, including driving
DEQ urges residents to reduce activities that contribute to pollution by driving less, avoiding engine idling, postponing yard work that uses gas-powered equipment, refueling vehicles during the cooler evening hours, and delaying painting and aerosol spray projects
The agency recommends consulting a health care provider if symptoms worsen
Tap here to see the current air quality conditions in your area from the DEQ
