Health officials concerned about poor air quality, effects on sensitive populations as blazes rage across Oregon What you should know:  Wildfire season is creating hazardous air quality conditions across Oregon.  Wildfire smoke contains particles that can irritate eyes, lungs, and other organs and have a severe impact on people with chronic conditions.  People can stay safe by keeping windows and doors closed, using HEPA filters if available, and avoiding outdoor activity.  PORTLAND, Ore.—With nearly 80 wildfires burning across Oregon, air quality is poor in many areas of the state. But there are steps people can take to protect themselves and their loved ones from wildfire smoke exposure.  “Smoke from wildfires can travel hundreds or thousands of miles, and some people—especially those with chronic conditions like lung disease or heart disease—can have a pretty severe reaction to even small amounts of smoke,” said Gabriela Goldfarb, manager of the Environmental Public Health Section at Oregon Health Authority’s Public Health Division.