Smoke from wildfires around Oregon is causing air quality concerns for sensitive populations in much of the state this week, according to a report from the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality.

Those with heart disease, asthma or other lung disease and those older than 65 have a higher risk of illness from wildfire smoke, according to the DEQ. Young children and pregnant women are also at increased risk. The DEQ suggests such vulnerable people consider leaving areas of heavy wildfire smoke until air quality improves.

According to the DEQ, air quality was unhealthy Tuesday for sensitive populations in Central Oregon, including Redmond and Sisters; southwest Oregon, including Medford, Ashland and Shady Cove; Eastern Oregon, including Ontario; and northeastern Oregon, including Baker City, La Grande and Pendleton. Smoke was also expected to affect air quality in the Columbia Gorge over the next few days, said the DEQ.

The DEQ recommends the following in heavily smoky areas:

• Avoid the places with highest concentrations of smoke.

• Avoid smoke by staying indoors, closing windows and doors and using an air filter that removes very fine particulate matter.

• Avoid strenuous outdoor activity in smoky conditions.

• People with respiratory problems should follow their breathing management plans or contact their healthcare providers.

The state’s Oregon Smoke Blog has more information about active fires and air quality, plus tools to assess smoke levels.