Health Department announces mandatory wood burning restriction due to air pollution from structure fires

Health Department announces mandatory wood burning restriction due to air pollution from structure fires

Continuous smoke and poor air quality is expected through the day, especially in eastern portions of the County; Multnomah County ordinance echoes County Fire Defense Board’s burn; requires people refrain from burning wood

Multnomah County, Ore. (July 19, 2023) — Smoke from a paper mill fire in Longview, WA entered the Portland Metro area late in the evening on July 18th, degrading air quality and leading health officials to issue a mandatory wood burning restriction (red day) for Multnomah County residents today, Wednesday July 19th. A structure fire at 122nd and Sandy in Portland also was causing poor air quality during the morning hours.

Conditions are expected to vary through the County but smoke is expected to stick around throughout the day. The Southwest Clean Air Agency (SWCAA) issued an air pollution advisory for smoke from the industrial fire for Clark and Cowlitz Counties through Friday.

“Many of us woke up this morning to a smokey smell, especially if windows were left open overnight. We encourage people to check air quality often today because conditions can change,” says Nadège Dubuisson, who works on air quality at the Health Department. “Turn your AC to recirculate. Use an air cleaner indoors if it's available to you, especially if you have anyone who may be especially affected by poor air quality in your household and limit time outdoors if you are in an area with poor air quality.”

People who are at higher risk of smoke exposure include pregnant people, children, people with heart or lung conditions, and older adults. Residents can protect their health and reduce pollution indoors by turning on an air filter or learn how to build one. Visit multco.us/wildfiresmoke to learn more.

Health officials will continue to monitor the situation. The air quality burn restriction will be lifted when conditions improve. Burn restrictions are posted at multco.us/woodsmokestatus.

This is the first wood-burning restriction from the Health Department this summer and in 2023. The Multnomah County Board of Commissioners extended the County’s wood smoke curtailment ordinance to year-round in February 2022. This restriction does not apply to cooking, but residents should take caution when cooking outside. Exemptions are available for those in emergency situations.

People at risk

People at the greatest risk of complications from smoke exposure include pregnant people, children, people with pre-existing heart disease, people with chronic lung disease, and older individuals.

People who work outdoors are also at elevated risk. Employers should visit Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Administration for requirements and recommendations to protect employee health.

What should you do

Keep windows and doors closed (if temperatures allow). If it is too hot indoors, seek cooler indoor air.

  • If spending time outside, avoid strenuous exercise outdoors during periods of poor air quality.
  • If available, set AC to recirculate air, use an air cleaner with a HEPA filter, or build your own DIY air cleaner.
  • Listen to your body and watch for any symptoms of smoke exposure.
  • Keep an eye on air quality near you (links to air quality maps below or on our website.)
  • Do not rely on masks or bandanas for protection. Not all masks are effective and can provide a false sense of protection from smoke. An “N95” respirator can offer some protection if you must be outdoors, but it must be properly worn.

When air quality improves and reaches the yellow or green level on the Air Quality Index, even temporarily, air out your home to reduce indoor air pollution. People in homes that are too warm to stay inside with the windows closed, or who are at-risk of smoke-related health effects, should seek shelter elsewhere.

Know the symptoms

The symptoms of wildfire smoke most reported include scratchy throat, stinging or watery eyes, stuffy nose, sinus irritation, coughing, trouble breathing, and tiredness or dizziness.

Mild symptoms of smoke exposure often include:

  • Cough
  • Headache
  • Burning eyes
  • Sore throat
  • Phlegm production
  • Changes in breathing

Dry cough, sore throat, and difficulty breathing are common to both wildfire smoke exposure and COVID-19. Contact your doctor if you believe you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19.

Smoke exposure can also cause serious and life-threatening respiratory distress, including heart attacks and strokes. If you’re in distress, you should immediately dial 9-1-1.

Your body

Healthy people affected by smoke may have only mild symptoms. But healthy people may also have underlying health conditions that put them at risk. Listen to your body’s cues:

If your eyes are burning, your throat is sore, your lungs are having a hard time expanding, or you are coughing, stay inside and focus on creating a “Clean Room” where the air is as clean as possible.

Gauging air quality

To find air quality information visit:

  • EPA Air Quality and Fire map: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency pulls real-time air quality data from Oregon and Washington States.
  • Oregon Smoke Blog: Local, state, tribal and federal organizations coordinate to share information about wildfires and smoke.
  • Oregon Air Quality map: The state Department of Environmental Quality updates a map of current air quality. Due to high traffic, the site can slow or crash. The sites below offer good alternatives.
  • State of Oregon Fires Map: The Oregon Office of Emergency Management updates a map of active fires, air quality and closures.

Visibility

If you can’t access AQI information, the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality shares this 5-3-1 visibility index to help estimate smoke levels:

  • Five miles: air quality is generally good.
  • Three to five miles: air quality is unhealthy for young children, older adults, pregnant women, and people with heart or lung disease, asthma or other respiratory illness.
  • Less than three miles: air quality is unhealthy for everyone.
  • Less than one mile: air quality is unhealthy for everyone.

Wood Burning Violations

For fire safety, report the fire to your local fire department or 911 if in immediate danger.

To report a suspected violation of a mandatory burn restriction and smoke from a recreational fire, contact Multnomah County Environmental Health:

Stay Informed of wood burning restrictions:

Dial pointing to red