Fire season is beginning across Oregon. In Central Oregon, we live in an ecosystem that is adapted to fire. This means that there will be periods of time when the air is smoky. During fire season, there are things you can do to protect your health from smoke exposure.

The attached flyer has some tips for protecting your health when it’s smoky outside.

Some people are more sensitive to smoke exposure than others.  Smoke may worsen symptoms for people who have pre-existing health conditions and those who are particularly sensitive to air pollution. Sensitive groups include:

• Persons with asthma or other chronic respiratory diseases, such as COPD
• Persons with cardiovascular disease
• Persons 65 years of age or older
• Infants and children
• Pregnant women
• Smokers, especially those who have smoked for several years
• Houseless persons

If you belong to one of these groups, or you know someone who does, we encourage you to visit CentralOregonFire.org/wildfire-smoke-your-health to learn how to protect their health.