Running Out of Fresh Air

Between 2019 and 2023, Bend was rated one of the top smokiest cities in the country. Credit: Oregon Smoke Information

Central Oregon’s summer recreation season now comes with an unwelcome, routine companion: thick, choking smoke. What was once an occasional annoyance has become a regular threat, forcing everyone from weekend hikers to competitive athletes to rethink their outdoor plans.

Smoke threatens vulnerable groups and athletes alike

The national Air Quality Index rates air quality according to its impact on health. Credit: Oregon State University

Those with sensitive immune systems, like pregnant women, children and the elderly, face increased health risks when the Air Quality Index reaches 100 or higher. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, smoke creates health risks for many, including otherwise healthy athletes.

“Some have reported permanent damage from even one hard effort in high smoke,” says FootZone Operations Director and Central Oregon Running Klub Board Member Thomas Morgan. “The key appears to be how hard someone’s activity is. Our recommendation is if someone is going to exercise when the smoke is borderline, they do so at a low intensity to avoid the deep breathing required at higher intensity.”

The problem is getting worse

Like dusty ash after a fire, these health hazards are lingering. In its March 2024 “Wildfire Smoke Trends and the Air Quality Index” report, the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality reports large wildfires have increased across the western United States over the past decade and are expected to continue increasing. From 2013 to 2023, DEQ found that Bend had 83 days with air quality at a “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” or worse. Bend was also rated one of the top three smokiest cities in the country from 2019 to 2023, according to Oregon Public Broadcasting.

This contrasts dramatically with earlier decades: from 1989 to 2012, Bend saw just seven days total of poor air quality.

Local organizations adapt their programs

With so much outdoor recreation at stake during Central Oregon’s smoky summers, local organizations have had to get creative about keeping people safe while still offering activities.

The Bend Park and Recreation District manages over 80 miles of trails and dozens of parks and open spaces around the area. According to the District’s website, when air quality gets bad, it uses a tiered system that includes AQI, weather forecasts and a visibility scale to decide what outdoor activities can continue. When BPRD deems air quality to be moderately unhealthy, programs continue with lighter intensity and more breaks; when conditions worsen significantly, outdoor time is capped at one hour with frequent rest periods. When air quality becomes hazardous, most outdoor activities are canceled altogether.

Mt. Bachelor Ski Resort and Sun Country Tours also has a system in place based on weather conditions.

“We encourage guests to check the Mountain Report for operations and event information as well as consult the local weather forecast prior to deciding whether or not to head to the mountain,” says Communications and Community Relations Manager Presley Quon.

Local event producers also adjust for smoky weather. FootZone and Central Oregon Running Klub will cancel an event if the AQI is 150 or higher for adults and 100 or higher for youth.

Organizers are also simply scheduling around fire season. As Morgan of FootZone says, “Many races traditionally scheduled for August (plus or minus a couple of weeks) have moved their dates to earlier or later which creates an oversaturation of races in those months. The cancellation rate was just too high during the smoky months.”

As wildfires continue to intensify over time, adaptive measures such as these may become the permanent new normal, rather than temporary adjustments.

Resources During Active Wildfires

Fire updates:

Inciweb: inciweb.wildfire.gov/

Watch Duty: app.watchduty.org/

Central Oregon Fires: centraloregonfire.org/

Evacuation Updates:

Deschutes Co. Sheriff: facebook.com/DeschutesCountySheriff/

Crook Co. Sheriff: facebook.com/CrookCountySheriff/

Jefferson Co. Sheriff: facebook.com/JeffersonCountyORSheriff/

Evacuation Maps via Genasys: protect.genasys.com

Highway Closures: