Clatsop County Residents May Experience Intermittent Wildfire Smoke (Photo) - 08/05/26
ASTORIA, OR — The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality expects intermittent wildfire smoke along the coast, including Clatsop County, until further notice as smoke from multiple wildfires in Oregon and Washington moves into coastal areas.
Smoke levels can change rapidly depending on fire activity, weather patterns and wind direction. Residents are encouraged to monitor local air quality and take precautions when smoke levels increase.
Current conditions are available through the Oregon Smoke Information Blog at www.oregonsmoke.org, DEQ’s Air Quality Index at aqi.oregon.gov, or the free OregonAIR smartphone app.
Wildfire smoke can irritate the eyes and lungs and worsen some medical conditions. People most at risk include infants and young children, older adults, pregnant people, and people with heart or lung conditions.
Protect Your Health When Smoke Levels Are High
- Stay indoors when possible and keep windows and doors closed. If it becomes too warm, use air conditioning on the recirculate setting or consider moving to a cooler location.
- Limit time outdoors and avoid strenuous outdoor activity.
- Use high-efficiency particulate air, or HEPA, filters in indoor ventilation systems or portable air purifiers. A do-it-yourself air cleaner may also help improve indoor air quality.
- Check air quality before spending time outside and avoid areas with the highest smoke levels.
- When air quality improves to moderate or healthy levels—yellow or green on the Air Quality Index—open windows and doors to air out homes and businesses.
- Follow any breathing or asthma action plan provided by your health care provider and keep necessary medications refilled.
The Oregon Health Authority has released an updated Oregon Air Quality Activity Guide for Children and Youth to help schools, youth-serving organizations and families make informed decisions about outdoor activities during wildfire smoke events.
Information About Masks and Respirators
Cloth masks, dust masks and surgical masks do not protect against the small, harmful particles in wildfire smoke.
NIOSH-approved N95 or P100 respirators may provide protection when they are properly selected, fitted and worn. Look for a respirator marked with an N, R or P followed by the number 95, 99 or 100.
Respirators are not designed for children because they are not available in children’s sizes. People with heart or lung conditions should consult their health care provider before using a respirator.
Residents should continue monitoring local conditions because air quality may improve or worsen quickly.
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