Nov. 19, 2022 (Astoria, OR) — Private monitors are picking up unhealthy air quality for sensitive groups for Jeffers Garden and near the Astoria Airport. Air quality has returned to healthy levels for the Gearhart and Seaside areas.

At current unhealthy levels, AirNow.gov states that sensitive groups include people with heart or lung disease, older adults, children and teenagers and recommends the following actions: 

• Sensitive groups: Reduce prolonged or heavy exertion. It’s OK to be active outside, but take more breaks and do less intense activities. Watch for symptoms such as coughing or shortness of breath. 
• People with asthma should follow their asthma action plans and keep quick relief medicine handy. 
• If you have heart disease: Symptoms such as palpitations, shortness of breath, or unusual fatigue may indicate a serious problem. If you have any of these, contact your health care provider.

At approximately 2:30 p.m. today, Oregon DEQ tweeted “fires in Clatsop County, Oregon may bring periods of heavy intermittent smoke to communities in the North Coast. East winds are forecasted to remain through the weekend.”

Wildfires

Good progress is being made on all fires, and containment lines continue to be established. The Oregon Department of Forestry, local landowners and fire departments are working together to control the fires prior to Thanksgiving.

The largest of the fires, the 98 Delta Fire about 10 miles east of Gearhart, is estimated at about 300 acres. A type 3 incident management team is in place, along with aerial resources, hand crews, a strike team of engines and excavators. Type 3 incidents means the fire exceeds the capability of local fire services and outside resources needed to be called in.

Several other small fires on state and private forestland are fully or mostly controlled, despite firefighters contending with 15-25 mph east winds with gusts up to 50 mph.

Wind conditions are expected to moderate Sunday, and there's the potential for rain early next week. 

Based on that forecast, officials are hopeful that they'll be able to lift the Level 3 evacuations for the four homes at the end of Saddle Mountain County Road in the next couple of days. 

Saddle Mountain County road remains closed to the public at the intersection of Wawa Mainline Road.

Active Wildfires

• 98 Delta — near Saddle Mountain Road
• A wildfire southwest of Saddle Mountain State Natural Area
• Infrared satellite imaging has detected a new fire east/northeast of 98 Delta

Controlled Wildfires

• Green Gold — by the border of Clatsop and Columbia Counties
• Tillamook Head - This fire was turned back over to the landowner to manage. Although this may not be an emergent situation, heat associated with a fire needs to be monitored.
• be monitored.

The above screenshot was taken at 2:58 p.m. on November 19, 2022.