Smoke

We’re not getting nearly enough prescribed fire on the ground to restore forests and manage the risk of severe wildfire. Oregon's new smoke rules are intended to change that trend.

Wildland firefighters endure smoky conditions rarely experienced in communities. It’s an occupational hazard that scientists and fire agencies are just beginning to understand.

The new Oregon Wildfire Response Council will look at the state's efforts surrounding "wildfire education, prevention, suppression, attack, and community recovery."

The Oregon Environmental Quality Commission approved new smoke rules Thursday that should make it easier to use prescribed burns to lessen overall wildfire risk.

The Rogue Valley didn’t directly experience any serious wildfires this year. But smoke from large wildfires burning hours away blew in and stayed for months — right at the peak of tourist season.

New smoke management rules aim to increase amount of prescribed burns in fire-prone forests.

Several wildfires burning near Grants Pass continue to cover the region in smoke.

While fires burn, communities downwind suffer from consistent unhealthy levels of smoke.

For some people with heart and lung problems, wildfire smoke can be especially unhealthy and sometimes deadly. Experts say people can prepare for smoky air by buying an air filtration system.