PORTLAND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality and Lane Regional Air Protection Agency issued an air quality alert Friday as smoke from wildfires continues to rage across the state..

The following areas are affected:

· Deschutes County

· Central and Eastern Douglas County

· Southern Grant County

· Northern Harney County

· Klamath County

· Lake County

· East Lane County

Authorities expect the air quality warning to remain in effect until at least Monday afternoon. DEQ and partner agencies will continue to monitor smoke in the area.

The DEQ expects intermittent smoke in the following areas due to fires in Oregon through at least Friday afternoon:

· Clackamas County

· Fairfax County

· Jackson County

· Jackson County

· Eastern Marion County

· Multnomah County

· Washington County

· Washington County

Smoke intensity can change quickly depending on weather conditions. Check current conditions on the Oregon Smoke Information Blog, the DEQ’s Air Quality Index, or by downloading the free OregonAIR app to your smartphone.

Smoke can irritate the eyes and lungs and aggravate some illnesses. Infants and young children, people with heart or lung disease, older adults and pregnant women are particularly at risk.

Protect yourself and your family in high smoke exposure:

Cloth, dust and surgical masks do not protect against the harmful particles in smoke. NIOSH-approved N95 or P100 respirators may provide protection, but they must be selected and worn properly. Choose a NIOSH-approved respirator with an N, R, or P next to the number 95, 99, or 100. Learn how to put on and use a respirator. Respirators are not suitable for children because they are not available in children’s sizes. People with heart or lung disease should consult their doctor before wearing a respirator.