The Multnomah County Health Department reports that a major fire near NW 23rd and Glisan this morning has produced significant smoke that could affect the health of people living in the area.
Short-term health effects from high concentrations of smoke can cause trouble breathing, irritation of eyes, throat and lungs, and skin irritation.
Some individuals, such as children, the elderly and those with existing respiratory or cardiovascular disease may be more sensitive to the effects than others. If you are affected by the smoke, leave the area if it is safe to do so. Otherwise, you can protect yourself by staying indoors to reduce exposure to smoke. This is called shelter-in-place.
If shelter-in-place becomes necessary, follow these steps:
Close all doors, windows, air vents, fireplace dampers and any other potential place where smoke could come enter.
Turn off fans, air conditioning and forced-air heating systems.
Go to the interior room with the fewest windows.
Monitor news sources to determine when the threat has passed. Follow the instruction of first responders if given. If you are experiencing a life threatening emergency, call 911.
Julie SULLIVAN-SPRINGHETTI
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