Ali Mirzakhalili Reports Increasing Wildfire Smoke and Unhealthy Air Quality Across Oregon

Ali Mirzakhalili, the air quality administrator for the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, reported that climate change is causing a significant increase in wildfire smoke and unhealthy air quality across the state. Driven by hotter summers and less rain, the wildfire seasons are starting earlier and lasting longer. This trend has impacted nearly every region of Oregon, with cities like Portland and Bend seeing a large uptick in days with unhealthy air. In some areas, such as Prineville, the air quality index reached hazardous levels, forcing the closure of local activities like Camp Namanu. Health officials noted an increase in smoke-related hospital visits. However, a wind shift from the ocean is expected to provide a reprieve for western Oregon, with air quality improving to moderate levels by the morning of August 6. Meanwhile, firefighters continue to manage several large blazes, including the Grasshopper Fire and the Rowe Creek Fire Complex, under critical weather conditions of high temperatures and low humidity.

Sources

• Oregon Public Broadcasting - OPB
  Wildfire smoke becomes a regular occurrence across Oregon, as residents learn to adapt
• Statesman Journal
  Smoke expected to clear in western Oregon as wildfires burn