Air quality in Lane County continues to be affected by wildfire smoke blowing in from the east, so residents should stay indoors when and where they can, as well as take steps to keep the air inside their homes clean.

The Cedar Creek Fire has been burning east of the Oakridge area since early August, often choking nearby residents with unhealthy air. Since the fire started, east winds have occasionally pushed heavy smoke toward Eugene-Springfield.

A high pressure system sitting over the Pacific Northwest has trapped smoke in the region over recent days, and east winds have continued to push smoke into the rest of the county. The Air Quality Index score for Oakridge at 10 a.m. Saturday was 490, which is considered "hazardous;" the score in Eugene-Springfield was 181, considered "unhealthy."

An air quality advisory is in effect for Lane County through the weekend.

UPDATE:New Oregon wildfire reported as smoke to bring unhealthy air quality

Those in Eugene-Springfield seeking shelter from the unhealthy air this weekend can go to the downtown Eugene library, 100 W. 10th Ave. It is open Saturday and Sunday between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. and reopens Monday at 10 a.m.

After the weekend, Hilyard Community Center, 2580 Hilyard St., and Campbell Community Center, 155 High St., will be open as respite centers, a city news release said.

The city canceled some outdoor recreation programs because of the smoke Saturday, including Amazon and Echo Hollow pool and Sheldon Community Center morning programs.

Lane County Public Health Officials in a Friday news release urged Oakridge-Westfir area residents to be mindful of the effects of continued exposure to poor air quality and to see shelter from smoke when possible.

“Typically during periods of poor air quality we focus on warning the very young, the very old, and those with preexisting cardiovascular or pulmonary disease of health impacts,” Lane County Public Health Officer Dr. Lisandra Guzman said in the release. “But in situations like what we are seeing in the Oakridge area, continued exposure to hazardous air can cause short and long-term health impacts for all community members.” 

LCPH has partnered with Oakridge Air and Willamalane to offer free all-access memberships to the Willamalane Park Swim Center, Bob Keefer Center and Camp Putt which will be accepted through November.

Those interested in a free membership can visit the front desk of any Willamalane facility and show proof of residency in the Oakridge area with an ID card, utility bill or similar documentation.  

LCPH has advised residents to pay attention to air quality reports for Lane County by visitinglrapa.org.

Here are more tips from Lane County Public Health:

Keep your indoor air as clean as possible.

Use an air filter if one is available: Use a freestanding indoor air filter with particle removal to help protect people with heart disease, asthma or other respiratory conditions and the elderly and children from the effects of wildfire smoke. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on filter replacement and where to place the device.

Do not add to indoor pollution.

Follow your doctor’s advice about medicines and your respiratory management plan if you have asthma or another lung disease or cardiovascular disease. Call your doctor if your symptoms worsen.

Masks can offer protection: An N95 mask, properly worn, will offer some protection. If you decide to keep a mask on hand, see the respirator fact sheet provided by CDC’s National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.

Avoid smoke exposure during outdoor recreation.

Contact reporter Adam Duvernay at aduvernay@registerguard.com. Follow on Twitter @DuvernayOR.