Oregon extends air quality advisory for eastern and central counties due to wildfire smoke

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) issued an air‑quality advisory on July 27, 2026 for Baker, Crook, Gilliam, Grant, Harney, Jefferson, Malheur, Morrow, Umatilla, Union, Wallowa, Wasco and Wheeler counties after smoke from multiple wildfires in southern, central and eastern Oregon spread across the region. The advisory was extended on July 29, 2026 to include Hood River, Northern Malheur and additional surrounding counties, and it will remain in effect until further notice while DEQ and partner agencies continue monitoring smoke conditions.

People most at risk—infants, young children, older adults, pregnant individuals and those with heart or lung disease—are advised to stay indoors, keep windows and doors closed, use air‑conditioning on recirculate, employ HEPA filters or portable air purifiers, and consider N95 or P100 respirators approved by NIOSH. Current conditions can be checked via the Oregon Smoke Information Blog, DEQ’s Air Quality Index, or the free OregonAIR smartphone app.