Thousands Urged To Avoid Outside in California, Oregon

Thousands of residents have been advised to stay inside across parts of California—including Portola—and Oregon—including John Day—due to levels of fine particle pollution (PM2.5) reaching “unhealthy” levels, as of Sunday January 18 at 2.45 a.m. (ET), according to the AirNow Map, produced by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). 

The EPA uses the Air Quality Index to monitor and communicate the quality of air across America. When the air quality reaches an “unhealthy” level in a particular region, the EPA urges people in sensitive groups—including the elderly, children, and individuals with existing heart or lung disease—to avoid long or intense outdoor activities.

The EPA recommends that everyone else reduce or shorten strenuous outdoor activities.

This is a developing story and will be updated.