Wildfire Smoke and Heat Wave Impact Northwest Region
Wildfire smoke and a significant heat wave are currently impacting the Pacific Northwest, with air quality advisories in effect across much of Oregon and southwest Washington. The Southwest Clean Air Agency and the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality issued an advisory for numerous counties, including Clackamas and Multnomah, as smoke from fires in the east and British Columbia moves westward. Meteorologists indicate that smoke levels will remain high through Wednesday or Thursday, with a weather shift expected on Friday to bring cleaner air. Residents are advised to protect themselves from the fine particles in smoke, which can be more toxic than vehicle exhaust. For those without air conditioning, public libraries and clean-air shelters are available to provide relief from the heat and hazy skies. Experts recommend using N-95 or P100 respirators for better protection, as standard cloth masks may not be as effective against the harmful particles in wildfire smoke.