Smoke from multiple fires burning across the state created hazy and unhealthy conditions in Bend on Wednesday morning.

The Air Quality Index reached 166 in downtown Bend at 9 a.m., according to data compiled by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality. At the same time, poor air quality was also measured in southern Deschutes County, with a 132 level in Sunriver and La Pine at 164.

Air quality in northern areas of Deschutes County were measurably better, with the index reaching 97 in Sisters and 76 in Redmond. Areas east of Bend were experiencing the poorest air quality in the state, with the city of John Day registering air quality levels over 240 while Burns had a level of 183.

Smoke outlook

The smoke outlook for Bend indicates air-quality levels between 100 to 150 on Thursday, with a slight decrease in the early morning hours, according to the Air Quality Response Program. The forecast for La Pine is slightly worse, with levels above 150 through Thursday.

“We are anticipating at least some improvement in the smoke tonight through tomorrow (Thursday) morning with the passage of a dry cold front, but do expect some smoke to linger, especially in the immediate vicinity of ongoing wildfires,” Camden Plunkett, a meteorologist with National Weather Service office in Pendleton, said Wednesday.

Air Quality Index levels between 101 and 150 are considered “unhealthy for sensitive groups” with the general public less affected. Levels between 151 and 200 are considered “unhealthy” with some members of the general public experiencing health effects from the smoke and sensitive groups experiencing more serious impacts. Levels between 201 and 200 are considered “very unhealthy” and the risk of health effects is increased for all groups.

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality issued an air quality advisory Wednesday for several regions including Deschutes County.

“Smoke experts will revisit forecasts on Friday and possibly update the advisories,” said Antony Vorobyov, a spokesperson for the agency.

Vorobyov said the smoke impacting Bend and surrounding areas is mainly from fires in the Willamette National Forest including the Ore, Pyramid and Chalk fires.

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DEQ smoke advice

While the advisory is in place and smoke levels rise to unhealthy levels, Vorobyov advises individuals and families to stay inside if possible and keep windows and doors closed. He also advises avoiding strenuous outdoor activities.

The agency also recommends using portable air filters when indoors and N95 face masks when outside. Cloth, dust and surgical masks don’t protect from harmful particulate matter in smoke.

“Last year was a very mild wildfire season, but in recent years we’ve been seeing more and more days where air quality is unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse,” said Vorobyov. “And we’re seeing more areas impacted by smoke for longer durations.”

Large fires currently burning in Central Oregon include the Durgan Fire, which started on private land adjacent to the Ochoco National Forest, approximately 6 miles northeast of Paulina. The fire is zero percent contained and has burned around 3,000 acres. The Crazy Creek Fire on the Ochoco National Forest has burned 5,000 acres and is also zero percent contained.

The 262-acre Red Fire burning in southern portions of the Deschutes National Forest prompted officials to close the area around Crescent Lake and Diamond Peak Wilderness on Wednesday. The area is being closed as a safety precaution as wildland fire officials build a shaded fuel break in the area.

State Climatologist Larry O’Neil said the wildfires have been triggered by excessive heat and dry conditions. July is on track to be one of the warmest months on record for much of Oregon, he said.

“The historically warm July, coupled with the timing of the early July heat wave, has been a major factor in driving the active wildfire season so far.”

‘Smoke checks’ issued

The smoke hasn’t canceled any Bend Park & Recreation District programs but has prompted some modifications. Modifications include moving outdoor programs inside for half-day or full-day programs. When the program cannot be moved indoors, the outdoor time is limited to a total of one hour with light activities and increased rest periods.

The smoke comes during the height of the travel season when Bend and surrounding communities are packed with visitors eager to explore the region’s mountains, lakes and other scenic wonders.

Kirin Stryker, the co-owner of Cog Wild, a Bend-based tour operator specializing in bicycle tours, said most travelers are now conditioned to summertime smoke and understand that it can alter plans.

“Since 2020 we have consistently had smoke during the main summer tourist season. People are not more comfortable riding in smoke, but it’s not a surprise,” she said.

Stryker said when smoke events occur and trips are canceled, she issues clients a “smoke check” which is similar to a rain check, for them to return another time.

“That was pretty hard to do for the first couple of years, but we have seen those clients are coming back,” she said. “The smoke is stressful for everyone; it’s not awesome. People are adjusting and flexing and going outside when the smoke allows that.”