On Sunday at 12:43 p.m. an air quality alert was issued for Douglas, Klamath and Lake counties. According to the National Weather Service, “Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has issued an Air Pollution Advisory in effect until at least 3 p.m. on Monday, August 12. The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality issued an air quality advisory for Lake, Klamath, and central and eastern Douglas counties due to wildfires burning in the region. The DEQ also expects intermittent smoke in Josephine County through this period due to smoke from surrounding fires. The wildfire smoke combined with forecast conditions will cause air quality levels to fluctuate and could be at unhealthy levels. Smoke levels can change rapidly depending on the weather and planned burn operations. Smoke can irritate the eyes and lungs and worsen some medical conditions. People most at risk include infants and young children, people with heart or lung disease, older adults and pregnant people. People can take the following precautions to protect their health: – Follow local burn restrictions to prevent deteriorating air quality. – Avoid strenuous outdoor activity during periods of poor air quality. – People with heart or lung problems and young children are especially vulnerable. These people should stay indoors while smoke levels are high. – Use certified High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters in indoor heating, ventilation, cooling and air purification systems. – Avoid using wood-burning stoves and other sources of indoor smoke if possible.”