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Public Service Announcements

Coos Health & Wellness Encourages Residents to Protect Themselves from Wildfire Smoke in Coos County

Coos County, Ore. — As wildfire season continues across Oregon, Coos Health & Wellness is reminding residents that wildfire smoke can travel long distances and affect air quality in Coos County, even when fires are burning many miles away. Poor air quality can pose serious health risks, particularly for children, older adults, pregnant individuals, and people with heart or lung conditions.

Wildfire smoke contains tiny particles that can travel deep into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream, even if you cannot smell smoke, unhealthy air quality can still impact your health. We encourage everyone, especially those at higher risk to monitor air quality conditions and take steps to reduce smoke exposure.

Who is most at risk?

People most likely to experience health effects from wildfire smoke include:

  • Children and infants
  • Adult’s age 65 and older
  • Pregnant individuals
  • People with asthma, COPD, or other lung diseases
  • People with heart disease
  • Individuals who work outdoors

Protect Yourself from Wildfire Smoke

Coos Health & Wellness recommends taking the following precautions when smoke is present:

  • Check local air quality before spending time outdoors. Monitor conditions using the Oregon Smoke Information Blog or AirNow.gov.
  • Reduce outdoor activities when air quality reaches unhealthy levels, especially strenuous exercise.
  • Stay indoors with windows and doors closed when smoke is heavy. If possible, use an air conditioner on recirculate mode or a portable HEPA air purifier to improve indoor air quality.
  • Keep indoor air clean. Avoid burning candles, using fireplaces, vacuuming, or frying foods when smoke levels are high, as these activities can increase indoor air pollution.
  • Follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations if you have asthma or another chronic lung condition. Keep rescue medications readily available.
  • Seek medical attention if you experience difficulty breathing, chest pain, severe coughing, or worsening symptoms.

Take Care of Your Mental Well-Being

Wildfire smoke and nearby fires can affect more than just your physical health. Poor air quality, prolonged smoke events, and uncertainty during wildfire season can increase feelings of stress, anxiety, or isolation. Staying informed through trusted sources, maintaining your normal routine when possible, and checking in with family, friends, and neighbors can help support emotional well-being.

If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available:

Coos Health & Wellness 24-Hour Crisis Line: 541-266-6800 or 888-543-5763

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988

Crisis Text Line: Text OREGON to 741741

Stay Informed

Residents are encouraged to monitor current air quality conditions through:

  • Oregon Smoke Information Blog
  • AirNow
  • Oregon 2-1-1 by dialing 2-1-1 or visiting 211info
  • Sign up for Coos County emergency alerts through the Everbridge Emergency Notification System. Receive timely notifications about wildfires, evacuations, severe weather, tsunamis, and other local emergencies by text message, phone call, email, or the Everbridge mobile app. Register today at Everbridge: Coos County Citizen Alert

Wildfire smoke conditions can change rapidly depending on weather patterns and fire activity. Even coastal communities like those in Coos County can experience periods of unhealthy air due to shifting winds. Coos Health & Wellness encourages everyone to have a plan to protect themselves and their families during wildfire smoke events. Taking simple precautions can help reduce health risks and keep our community safe throughout wildfire season.

For more information about wildfire smoke and protecting your health, visit Oregon Health Authority: Wildfires and Smoke.

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