Spring Break
Californian fires choke Oregon air
Willamette Valley experiences hazy overhead conditions due to northern California wildfires
Craig Bidiman
Issue date: 7/2/08 Section: News
You may have noticed a white haze in the skies over the last couple of days. This has been attributed to the wildfires taking place in northern California.
Wildfires, which are commonplace for California in the summer, have become much harder to deal with than usual this year; firefighters have found great difficulty in putting them out as they have been spreading at incredible rates.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture website, 22 wildfires have consumed more than 260,000 acres of land, with very few fires being contained. This has caused wind to blow the smoke into the Willamette Valley, where it has been present for the last few days.
"I definitely noticed a difference," said Elizabeth Nepute, a senior in nutrition and food management. "I just thought that it was pollution."
Nepute explained that she is a runner and that she has noticed difficulty in breathing since the changes in the sky were first perceived.
According to the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, on Monday Eugene experienced an air quality rating that was "unhealthy for sensitive groups," meaning people with weaker lung capacities, such as the very old and the very young.
Over the weekend, many competing in the U.S. Track and Field Olympic Trials also expressed a difficulty in breathing and were forced to push themselves to unhealthy limits in competition.
Atina Zappa, a senior in fine arts, also noticed changes.
"I've noticed that it has been very muggy and hotter," she said. "One of my friends complained of her allergies acting up pretty badly. We thought it could be what's in the air."
"I have noticed bits of what is in the air getting caught in my eyes when I run," Nepute agreed.
Depending on wind direction, the smoky situation may clear up or worsen in the coming days. A major shift in the jet stream is needed for this shift, which began yesterday, to pass over.
The southern parts of Oregon have acquired higher smoke concentration levels than other counties in the state due to their proximity to the fires.
Wildfires, which are commonplace for California in the summer, have become much harder to deal with than usual this year; firefighters have found great difficulty in putting them out as they have been spreading at incredible rates.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture website, 22 wildfires have consumed more than 260,000 acres of land, with very few fires being contained. This has caused wind to blow the smoke into the Willamette Valley, where it has been present for the last few days.
"I definitely noticed a difference," said Elizabeth Nepute, a senior in nutrition and food management. "I just thought that it was pollution."
Nepute explained that she is a runner and that she has noticed difficulty in breathing since the changes in the sky were first perceived.
According to the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, on Monday Eugene experienced an air quality rating that was "unhealthy for sensitive groups," meaning people with weaker lung capacities, such as the very old and the very young.
Over the weekend, many competing in the U.S. Track and Field Olympic Trials also expressed a difficulty in breathing and were forced to push themselves to unhealthy limits in competition.
Atina Zappa, a senior in fine arts, also noticed changes.
"I've noticed that it has been very muggy and hotter," she said. "One of my friends complained of her allergies acting up pretty badly. We thought it could be what's in the air."
"I have noticed bits of what is in the air getting caught in my eyes when I run," Nepute agreed.
Depending on wind direction, the smoky situation may clear up or worsen in the coming days. A major shift in the jet stream is needed for this shift, which began yesterday, to pass over.
The southern parts of Oregon have acquired higher smoke concentration levels than other counties in the state due to their proximity to the fires.
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Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 2
R.M. Anthony
posted 7/02/08 @ 8:36 PM PST
We should sue.
arizona homeowner insurance
posted 7/07/08 @ 10:31 PM PST
I remember driving through California several years ago in July when they were having another season of raging forest fires. The smoke carried for miles. (Continued…)
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