Oregon Residents Face Increasing Wildfire Smoke, Impacting Air Quality and Daily Life
Oregon is experiencing a significant increase in wildfire smoke, affecting air quality across the state. According to the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, nearly every region has seen a rise in the number of smoky days over the past decade. This trend is attributed to climate change, with less rainfall and hotter summers leading to more frequent and widespread fires. Cities like Bend and Portland have reported a substantial increase in days with unhealthy air quality. For instance, Bend experienced 97 days of unhealthy air in the last decade, compared to just 10 days from 2000 to 2015. The smoke has forced closures of outdoor activities, such as Camp Namanu, a summer camp near Mount Hood, which ended its session early due to hazardous air conditions. The Oregon Health Authority has noted an increase in smoke-related hospital visits, highlighting the health risks posed by the smoke. 
