Oregon’s air quality worsens, wildfire smoke to blame

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Across the state, Oregon’s air is getting harder to breathe.

The number of days the air quality index was unhealthy for sensitive groups increased in all parts of the state since 2017, according to a new report from the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality. Hotter, bigger and more frequent wildfires could be driving the trend.

The report focused on the number of days the index reached the threshold of unhealthy for sensitive groups, but it also noted that even moderate air quality could impact health.

Portland had just two days with unhealthy air from wildfire smoke between 2000 and 2012. From 2013 to 2024, the same region saw 29 days with unhealthy air, and 27 of them were between 2017 and 2024.

Southern Oregon, by far, saw the most significant impacts. Klamath Falls recorded 33 days with unhealthy air from 2000 to 2012, according to the data. From 2013 to 2024, that number jumped to 152. Of those, 137 days occurred between 2017 and 2024.

In Medford, 22 unhealthy air quality days were recorded between 2000 and 2012. From 2013 to 2024, that figure shot up to 142 days, 122 of which were between 2017 and 2024.

If these trends continue, Oregon will experience more days with elevated air quality index levels, including in places that have historically seen less smoke.