Air Quality advisory for Deschutes County issued after Cedar Creek fire expands

Published 10:21 am Monday, September 12, 2022

Wildfire smoke in parts of Central Oregon reached unhealthy levels on Monday and the Department of Environmental Quality has issued an air quality advisory for Deschutes County.

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The Air Quality Index registered 387 in southwest Bend at 10 a.m. on Monday and 446 in La Pine. Any level over AQI 300 is considered hazardous and people are advised to stay indoors.

The Cedar Creek Wildfire burning west of Waldo Lake, the primary source of smoke impacting Central Oregon, has burned 86,000 acres. The size of the fire increased four-fold over the weekend as an east wind event fanned the flames.

Some areas schools have canceled outdoor recess and activities in order to minimize smoke exposure to children.

Bend Park and Recreation District has closed its indoor pools at Juniper Swim & Fitness Center and Larkspur Community Center due to the smoke. Spokesperson Julie Brown said smoke has gotten into the buildings. The Bend Senior Center is also closed and its programs are canceled.

Outdoor pools are not in use due to previously scheduled seasonal maintenance. Group fitness classes are being held as scheduled, said Brown.

“Conditions are being monitored hourly for impacts for outdoor sports that are scheduled for late afternoon and evening,” said Brown.

Smoke levels in Redmond, Prineville, and Madras are between 100 and 150, considered unhealthy for sensitive groups.

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