Wildfire smoke causes 'unhealthy' air quality in southern Oregon, haze in Portland

Smoke from wildfires in August 2015 drifts into Portland, as seen near the campus of the University of Portland.  (Mike Zacchino)

A massive wildfire in Northern California has sent smoke billowing into Oregon, leading to hazy skies over the Portland area.

The Carr fire near Redding, California, as well as wildfires in southern Oregon, have already created "unhealthy" air quality for three Oregon counties. The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has smoke advisories in effect for the next several days for Jackson, Josephine and Klamath counties, as well as parts of Lake County.

The haze could linger over Portland through Wednesday, as high heat traps smog and wildfire smoke in the atmosphere, according to the environmental quality agency. A wind shift could move it out more quickly, though, as well as help alleviate the heat. Temperatures are expected to reach 90 degrees Tuesday.

The National Weather Service said smoke shouldn't actually have much of an effect on air quality in the metro area because the heat will keep it higher in the atmosphere. Since both the smoke and heat will begin to dissipate by Wednesday, air quality should remain good.

In the southern part of the state, residents dealing with "unhealthy" air are advised to avoid outdoor activity, drink plenty of water and stay inside with the windows closed. They should also seek medical help if they develop respiratory problems.

-- Lydia Gerike

lgerike@oregonian.com

@LydiaGerike

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