wildfire smoke

For people sensitive to wildfire smoke, many are struggling now.

National Weather Service Meteorologist Steve Bodnar says the chance for fires here is much lower, even with incoming hot weather.

University of Oregon researchers are studying community smoke management plans and how local governments can better prepare the public for fire season.  Student researcher Stuart Warren said management plans can allow communities to get exemptions from current prescribed fire rules.   “...

The University of Idaho and Boise State University are conducting a two-year study that probes how wildfire smoke impact potatoes crops.  Farmers have reported smaller yields and worse quality during active wildfire seasons that produce a lot of smoke.  Univers...

Oregon OSHA recently announced new permanent rules the agency say swill protect workers during extreme heat and smoke events. Ira Cuello-Martinez with PCUN, a farm worker union, is pleased to see new guidelines for things like water and shade access ...

With the Washington Legislative Session set to get underway in a few weeks, the state’s farming community is reminded to be proactive and share their story. Pam Lewison with the Washington Policy Center said it will be vital for farmers to engage with those who are different or think differently. She ...

Oregon senator Jeff Merkley says he has secured much needed funding to help rural communities across the state, make forests more resilient and protect public lands. The bill is the basis for negotiations with the House, as Congress works to fund the government for fiscal year 2022 ...

Oregon’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration announced Monday the adoption of emergency rules intended to protect workers from wildfire smoke and shield workers living in labor housing from extreme heat. The new rules go in effect Monday August 9th and run for six months. A ...

The 2018 wildfire season was an active one across the entire Northwest, burning thousands of acres of timber, grassland and more.  One of the industries that felt the impact of the fires the hardest, Oregon ranchers.  Jerome Rosa, Executive Director of the Oregon Cattlemen’s Association says year after year, the western states are dealing with more fire, and more intense fires.  And he added ... R

Much of the Inland Northwest has been socked in by smoke over the past couple of days, and the smoky conditions are not from nearby fires, but rather blown in from fires burning in southern British Columbia.  Marilyn Lohmann with the National Weather Service says the northerly winds we saw move in over the weekend, ushered in the smoke, leading to poor air quality, and in many cases altered temper