Author: KTVZ

Claire Elmer

(Update: adding public questions and comments from town hall)

MADRAS, Ore. (KTVZ) — Oregon Senator Ron Wyden brought his trademark open-door politics to Jefferson county Saturday morning, holding another in his long-running series of town halls.

Gaza, tariffs, and the impacts of political polarization — especially here at home — were the main topics of concern from residents. 

Questions ranged from a national level, with one audience member asking, “how would you characterize the state of our democracy at this point?” To which Senator Wyden replied, “fragile.” To a local level, with a St. Charles employee asking, “how are you advocating for, I’m specifically going to say Saint Charles Madras, so that we can not be forgotten?”

Senator Wyden heard from the audience for over an hour, many voicing strong opinions and posing tough questions about the humanitarian toll overseas and what role the U.S. should play.

Direct questions were asked of the senator, such as “if those people in Gaza were not Palestinian, but Jews slaughtered and starved to death, what would you do?” Followed by passionate statements from others, “people are dying. They’re being shot by these people with guns that are monitoring these food giveaways.”

Attendees also pressed the senator on the challenges of political division, saying polarization is making it harder to solve problems at every level of government. Many expressed their feelings of hopelessness and disappointment. 

“It seems to me the rules aren’t being followed by any of the three branches of government. It’s all corrupted,” said one audience member.

Senator Wyden said he welcomes tough questions, even on heated issues, and pointed to these town halls as a way to bridge divides through direct conversation. He vows to follow-up with specific details on his plans for those still wanting more accountability.

Saturday’s event in Madras marked Wyden’s latest stop as he continues holding town halls in each of Oregon’s 36 counties every year. Senator Wyden says he’ll keep hosting these events as long as Oregonians keep showing up and asking questions.

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Triton Notary

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ)–  There’s a new sculpture in Bend that is bringing some school spirit with it. After a public vote organized by the nonprofit Art in Public Places, a roundabout in Southeast Bend is now home to the winning design. ‘Aspire’ is the name of the sculpture now standing in the roundabout at 15th Street and Knott Road. It features a pack of 3 wolves, a tribute to nearby Caldera High School’s wolf pack mascot. The artist Bryce Pettit is a sculptor from Durango, Colorado. He’s been creating bronze pieces inspired by wild animals and landscapes for more than 2 years. Now that it’s installed, this roundabout is not just a way to get from one place to another, it’s a reminder of the art, spirit, and creativity in our community.

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Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Heather Quinn, a Minnesota-based writer, photographer and filmmaker, has been officially selected as the winner of the 11th annual Waterston Desert Writing Prize by guest judge and author Beth Piatote, Ph.D.

The Waterston Desert Writing Prize, established in 2014 by author and Oregon Poet Laureate Ellen Waterston, honors and fosters literary nonfiction that celebrates desert landscapes.  

Quinn’s winning submission is titled This Is How You Disappear, a project about the California desert. Quinn, who receives a $3,000 cash prize, will give a reading and discuss their project at the Waterston Desert Writing Prize ceremony on Thursday, September 25, 2025.

The event features award-winning author Dan Flores, Ph.D., who will give a talk titled, “The Coyote Is the Dude, the Dude Abides, and the Adventures Continue,” during the ceremony.

Flores, author of Coyote America and Wild New World, has spent his career exploring the connections between people and the natural world in America and the West. His books have won several awards including the Rachel Carson Environmental Book Prize and the Sigurd Olson Nature Writing Prize. The author of 11 books, Flores has also written for the New York Times, the Los Angeles Times, the Chicago Tribune and Time Magazine.

His presentation at the award ceremony will delve into how coyotes have preserved wildness in modern America, making a case for understanding wild animals as distinctive individuals.

Quinn, who lives in St. Paul, Minnesota, with their husband and two young daughters, writes personal and lyric essays. They approach nonfiction from a journalistic background, including a deep appreciation of truth telling.

The winning submission This Is How You Disappear is an essay blending personal narrative, reporting and historical research to explore trauma, ecological collapse and memory in the California desert, particularly around the Salton Sea. For over two decades, Quinn has documented the region through writing, photography and film, bearing witness to its shifting landscapes and layered histories.

Quinn earned their Master of Fine Arts at Portland State University, and they were a 2021 McKnight Artist Fellow, a 2023 Writing Resident at Art Omi, and a 2022 Tin House Winter Workshop Scholar. Their work has appeared in Fourth Genre, Vela, Longreads and elsewhere. 

Waterston said that Quinn’s piece “promises fearless writing that skillfully enlists the landscape of the Salton Sea as backdrop to their quest for understanding” an emotional moment in their life.

Piatote, a Nez Perce scholar, writer, professor and language activist, will also speak during the Waterston event at the Museum. Piatote is the author of two books, including a mixed-genre collection entitled The Beadworkers: Stories (2019), which was featured on NPR and was selected as the “one read” for multiple university and community programs. Dedicated to Nez Perce language and literature, she cofounded the Designated Emphasis in Indigenous Language Revitalization at the University of California Berkeley, where she teaches English and Comparative Literature.

“We are honored to welcome our outstanding winner Heather Quinn and award-winning authors Dan Flores and Beth Piatote to this year’s Waterston Desert Writing Prize ceremony,” said Museum Executive Director Dana Whitelaw, Ph.D. “Their passionate exploration of the natural world aligns perfectly with the Prize’s mission to celebrate and elevate desert landscapes through the power of literary nonfiction.”

The two finalists for this year’s Prize are Taylor Luck and Charles Hood.

Luck, a journalist living in the Middle East, blends narrative writing with authentic storytelling. His submission, Beyond the Jordan, focuses on modern-day Jordan and the varied groups of people navigating a region in upheaval. Luck weaves his personal journey of belonging into the narrative.

Located in Palmdale, California, Hood has traveled the world for his writings, from the high Arctic to the South Pole, and from Tibet to West Africa and the Amazon. His submission, Desert Fire, takes him closer to home as it delves into the past, present and future role of fire in Western American deserts.

A writer with continued contributions to nonfiction prose about desert regions, Hood is being recognized this year for the first-ever Obsidian Prize, a $2,000 award in honor of his contributions to the Waterston Desert Writing Prize. A prolific poet and essayist, Hood has written several books, including the essay collection A Salad Only the Devil Would Eat: The Joys of Ugly Nature, which was named the Nonfiction Book of the Year by the editors of Foreword book review.  

In 2020, the High Desert Museum—which has long hosted events for the Prize—adopted the program. The mission and goals of the Prize complement those of the High Desert Museum, emphasizing the importance of protecting deserts and creating important conversations about the issues affecting them.

To learn more about the Waterston Desert Writing Prize and to purchase your tickets to the Waterston Desert Writing Prize Ceremony, visit: highdesertmuseum.org/waterston-prize.

ABOUT THE MUSEUM:

The HIGH DESERT MUSEUM opened in Bend, Oregon in 1982. It brings together wildlife, cultures, art, history and the natural world to convey the wonder of North America’s High Desert. The Museum is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, is a Smithsonian Affiliate, was the 2019 recipient of the Western Museums Association’s Charles Redd Award for Exhibition Excellence and was a 2021 recipient of the National Medal for Museum and Library Service. To learn more, visit highdesertmuseum.org and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.

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Triton Notary

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ)– Bend Police are sounding the alarm on electric motorcycles. These are different than e-bikes and are illegal on the road. Electric motorcycles are anything that goes above 28 MPH or does not have pedals. Police have seen an increase in young kids riding these motorcycles on sidewalks and city streets, all of which is illegal. They ask parents and the public to be aware of these rules.

Here is what the Bend Police Department had to say on Facebook.

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Tyson Beauchemin

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A secondary location of the popular local restaurant ‘Super Burrito’ appears to be closed. The doors are locked, and the lights are out. Google lists ‘Super Burrito 3’ on Northeast Windy Knolls Drive as “permanently closed.”

A note posted on the door says the landlord has taken possession of the suite, but does not list a reason. All the furniture, decor and equipment appear to be locked inside the restaurant.

KTVZ News has reached out to the owner of Super Burrito and Compass Commercial, the property management company that owns the suite. Neither have replied at this time.

The original Super Burrito location remains open.

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KTVZ – News Team

Underground utility work is wrapping up and roundabout excavation, and curb, sidewalk and island installation will follow for the remainder of the month. Please use the marked detour to navigate around the closure at Bear Creek Road, Pettigrew Road, and Purcell Boulevard.

CONSTRUCTION UPDATE: Weeks of August 18-22, and August 25-29

Concrete forming and pouring for ADA ramps on 27th Street will continue

Paving for the path on 27th Street will continue

Irrigation work for landscaping the roundabout will begin

Excavation and base rock for the roundabout will begin

Curb, sidewalk, and island installation will begin

GENERAL PROJECT NOTES

Access to all area businesses along the construction area will be maintained.

Please do not enter the construction zone before, during, or after hours.

Daytime work hours are in effect from 7 a.m. – 6 p.m.

There are many construction projects in the area and throughout the City of Bend. Travel safely.

PROJECT COMMUNICATIONS

EMS, buses, and other delivery/service providers have been included on this distribution list.

Feel free to share the website information where others can also sign up for updates. bendoregon.gov/bearcreek27th

QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS?

Construction Phone Line: (541) 330-4018

Project website: bendoregon.gov/bearcreek27th

Project Contacts:

Sinclair Burr – PE, Project Manager

Mary Packebush – Public Education Coordinator

Thank you for your interest in this project. The Bear Creek Road and 27th Street improvements are part of the Transportation General Obligation (GO) Bond project approved by voters in 2020.

To learn about more projects around Bend included in the GO Bond, visit the Go Bond Dashboard or bendoregon.gov/gobond

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Barney Lerten

PORTLAND, Ore. (KTVZ) – It’s been a record-breaking summer travel season, and many will squeeze in one final trip over the Labor Day weekend before the summer wraps up.

AAA booking data shows that Alaska cruises, theme parks, Central Oregon and the Oregon Coast are the most popular destinations for members of AAA Oregon/Idaho. AAA says the good news for travelers is that flights, hotels and car rentals cost less this year compared to 2024.

Memorial Day always marks the unofficial start to the summer travel season, and Labor Day marks the unofficial end. The Labor Day weekend is typically a busy travel weekend compared to other weekends in August and September, but the volume is not as high as the other major summer holidays, Memorial Day and Independence Day.

With many schools already back in session or starting soon, families tend to take shorter trips that are closer to home over Labor Day. However, those without kids in school often use Labor Day as the kickoff to the fall travel season to take advantage of cooler temperatures, smaller crowds, and off-peak pricing. Destinations in Europe, Mexico and Iceland are especially popular for these travelers.

“Many are eager to venture out for the last holiday weekend of the summer, enjoying one last vacation before the fall routine starts again,” says Doreen Loofburrow, senior vice president of travel at AAA Oregon/Idaho. “Alaska cruises are especially popular this time of year. Cruise ships are usually less crowded than earlier in the summer, and while it’s a bit chillier than in July and August, the weather is still nice and it can be a great time to see wildlife and a hint of fall color.”

AAA can help you plan your Labor Day getaway, or any trip, with Trip Canvas. This free resource offers ideas and information for countless destinations. You can find the 9 best Alaska Cruises for every traveler, top things to do in Bend, things to do in Portland on a budget, best places to eat at Disneyland,  and the Northern California and Southern Oregon Coast road trip, to name a few.

Top Labor Day destinations

Here are the top destinations for members of AAA Oregon/Idaho, based on searches and bookings:

Alaska cruises are very popular, with the cruise port cities of Seattle and Vancouver B.C. topping the lists of the most popular U.S. and International destinations.

Disneyland and Las Vegas are perennial favorites.

The top regional destinations for members of AAA Oregon/Idaho are Central Oregon, Portland, the Oregon Coast, Portland, Medford/Ashland and Eugene.

Labor Day gas prices

Those taking a road trip for the Labor Day holiday will find gas prices that are more expensive in Oregon and Washington this year compared to last year, but cheaper in most other states.

The national average is currently $3.15 and the Oregon average is $3.99 (as of August 15, 2025). Last year on Labor Day, the national average was $3.33 and the Oregon average was $3.78.

Find current gas prices here: https://gasprices.aaa.com/

Find Oregon gas price news here: https://info.oregon.aaa.com/oregon-gas-prices/

“Gas prices have been relatively calm this spring and summer, due to fairly steady crude oil prices. Pump prices should remain fairly stable through the Labor Day holiday or even edge lower, barring a refinery or pipeline outage, a major storm that impacts the Gulf Coast, escalating tensions in the Middle East, or some other geo-political event that sends crude oil prices higher,” says Marie Dodds, public affairs director for AAA Oregon/Idaho.

Best and worst times to drive

INRIX, a global provider of transportation data and insights, says the best times to drive over Labor Day weekend are before lunchtime, and for those hitting the road on Saturday, the earlier, the better! Traffic congestion worsens as the day progresses.

The worst times to drive over the holiday weekend are typically in the afternoon and early evening hours. The afternoons of Thursday, August 28 and Friday, August 29 will be among the busiest times on the roads as holiday travelers mix with commuters. Saturday is expected to be extra busy with many drivers heading out of town or taking day trips.

“Most Labor Day travelers will depart on Thursday or Friday before the holiday, and return home on Labor Day or Tuesday,” says Dodds. “Monitor traffic and navigation apps, listen to traffic reports on the radio, and check road and weather conditions at TripCheck or your local transportation department. These tools can help you avoid the worst bottlenecks.”

Here are projected travel times out of Portland from INRIX:

Airfare, hotel, rental car, cruise and tour costs 

Flights: AAA finds that travelers are paying less for domestic flights and more for international flights for Labor Day travel compared to 2024

Domestic flights are 6% cheaper this Labor Day weekend compared to last year.

Average price for a domestic roundtrip flight is $720.

International flights are 8% more expensive this Labor Day weekend compared to last year.

Average price for an international roundtrip ticket is $1,470.

Hotels: AAA finds hotel prices are less than in 2024.

Domestic hotels are 11% cheaper this Labor Day weekend compared to last year.

Average booking cost for a domestic hotel stay (which is typically a few nights) is $495. That’s the average price of domestic hotel bookings through AAA – not a nightly rate.

International hotels are 2% cheaper this Labor Day weekend compared to last year.

Average booking cost for an international hotel stay (which is typically a few nights) is $590. That’s the average price of international hotel bookings through AAA – not a nightly rate.

Car Rentals: Daily car rental rates in the U.S. and abroad are less expensive than in 2024.

Domestic car rentals are 3% cheaper this Labor Day weekend compared to last year.

Average booking cost for a rental car (which is typically several days) is $545 total – not the daily rate.

International car rentals are 42% cheaper this Labor Day weekend compared to last year.

Average booking cost for a rental (which is typically several days) is $645 – not the daily rate.

Cruises: AAA finds that cruises departing from the U.S. are more expensive while those departing from international cities are cheaper this year.

Cruises departing from domestic cities are 3% more expensive this Labor Day weekend.

Average cost for cruises departing from domestic cities is $2,545.

Cruises departing from international cities are 9% cheaper this Labor Day weekend.

Average cost for cruises departing from international cities is $3,725.

Tours: AAA finds tours cost more this year.

Tour prices in domestic cities are 37% more expensive this Labor Day weekend compared to 2024.

Average cost for a domestic tour is $2,020.

Tours in international cities are 15% more expensive this Labor Day weekend.

Average cost for an international tour is $2,880.

For help in planning your trip, AAA.com/travel or call (800) 529-3222 to reach a AAA travel agent.

Tips for those flying this Labor Day

Air travel volume surged to new highs this summer, and that trend is expected to continue over the Labor Day holiday weekend.

The busiest days to fly are the Thursday and Friday before the holiday, and then most travelers fly home on Monday, which is Labor Day, and Tuesday. Days that will be less crowded are Saturday, August 30 and Wednesday, September 3.

AAA has tips for air travelers:

Check your airline’s website or download their app to keep up to date on your flight status, including checking one last time right before you leave for the airport. Allow push notifications so the airline can alert you of any changes.

Check-in online for flights 24 hours ahead.

Arrive at the airport at least two hours early for domestic flights and three hours for international. Expect long security lines due to the spike in travelers.

Airport parking lots will likely be at or near capacity. Many airports including Portland International airport let you check current availability https://www.flypdx.com/Parking.  Some parking facilities let you book in advance. 

Consider taking transit, using a ride sharing service or taxi, or getting a ride with a friend or family member to the airport so you don’t have to park onsite.

Carry your bags on your flight instead of checking them. If you do need to check bags, bring medications, a change of clothes, comfortable shoes, and any other necessary items with you on the flight. That way you’ll have provisions if your checked bags get lost or delayed. Make sure your bags have name tags, and also put your name and contact info inside each bag. Consider using a luggage tracker. 

Bring a refillable water bottle and plan ahead for meals and snacks. Airport restaurants can be very busy with long lines at times, making it challenging to order food if you have a short connection time. Many airlines allow you to pre-order food up to 24 hours before your flight. The TSA allows solid foods through screening but liquids or gels (such as yogurt) must comply with the 3-1-1 liquids rule.

Consider booking a flight during non-peak travel periods to cut down on wait times. In general, early morning flights tend to have fewer delays and cancellations than flights later in the day.

Over the Labor day holiday weekend, the Friday before Labor Day and Labor Day itself are expected to be the busiest air travel days. 

Sign up for TSA PreCheck, Global Entry and/or CLEAR before your trip to expedite the security screening process. However, even these check-in lanes will be busier than usual. And confirm that the airports you use offer CLEAR as it’s not available at all airports.

REAL ID:

TSA began enforcing REAL ID requirements on May 7. Passengers are required to have a REAL ID to board domestic flights. These are REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses or other state photo ID cards.

Acceptable alternatives to a REAL ID include:

A U.S. passport or passport card

Any government-issued passport

DHS Trusted Traveler cards, including Global Entry and SENTRI

U.S. military IDs (active duty, retired, and dependent)

Air travelers who don’t have a REAL ID may still be able to fly but must go through additional screening so plan on lots of extra time. The TSA officer may ask you to complete an identity verification process which includes collecting information such as your name and current address to confirm your identity. If your identity is confirmed, you will be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint, where you may be subject to additional screening.

Find out more about REAL ID on the TSA’s website.

AAA to the rescue this Labor Day weekend

AAA is ready to help drivers throughout the Labor Day holiday travel period. The most common issues are dead batteries, flat tires, and lockouts.

Last year, AAA responded to more than 383,000 requests for roadside assistance nationwide, including more than 4,000 here in Oregon.

AAA makes it easy to request assistance—by phone or text (1-800-AAA-HELP), or with the AAA Mobile app—and members can track the service technician’s progress as they make their way to your vehicle.

Before heading out on a road trip, make sure your vehicle is ready. Have it inspected by a trusted repair shop, such as one of the more than 7,000 AAA Approved Auto Repair facilities across North America.

Be prepared for emergencies with a mobile phone and car charger, and well-stocked emergency kit including a flashlight with extra batteries, first-aid kit, a basic toolkit, jackets and blankets, and drinking water and snacks for all passengers and pets. Share your itinerary with family or friends so that authorities know where to start looking for you if you don’t reach your destination.

“Don’t leave home without an emergency kit, and bring enough supplies including water, snacks, blankets and extra clothing. Having these supplies can go a long way in keeping everyone comfortable if you encounter significant delays. A crash can tie up traffic for hours. And if you do get stuck or have a breakdown, you don’t always have cell phone service in remote areas,” says Dodds.

Find more info on getting road-trip ready at AAA.com/summerprep

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Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Central Oregon Open Programming, a program of Connect Central Oregon, will host an in-depth interview with newly appointed Deschutes County Sheriff Ty Rupert.

The interview will be recorded on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, and published on COOP’s YouTube channel, @CentralOregonOpenProgramming, the same evening. 

Moderated by Jim Fister, Co-Founder of Connect Central Oregon and a prior facilitator/interviewer for COOP’s candidate forums and the interview with Sheriff Van der Kamp, the conversation will explore immediate priorities for the Sheriff’s Office, including staffing and retention, training and accountability, budget stewardship, and community engagement. 

Why this conversation matters: This interview offers the public an opportunity to learn more about Sheriff Rupert as a person—context that typically emerges during a full election cycle. In this appointment process, most public-facing information has come through the Deschutes County Sheriff Employees Association forum, Rupert’s written application to the Board of County Commissioners, and a brief commission meeting with limited discussion. COOP’s interview is designed to help the community hear directly from Rupert about his background, values, and approach to leading the Sheriff’s Office. 

How to Watch 

• Where: COOP on YouTube — @CentralOregonOpenProgramming 

• Availability: Wednesday evening, August 20, 2025 (PT) 

• Replay: The full interview will remain available on the channel after publication. 

Share a Question 

Community members are encouraged to suggest questions and topics in advance by emailing decision@connectcentraloregon.org with the subject line “Sheriff Interview.” Please include your name, city, and any relevant affiliation. 

Public Contact (Program) 

Central Oregon Open Programming (COOP) Email: coop@connectcentraloregon.org 

About COOP (Central Oregon Open Programming) 

COOP is a program of Connect Central Oregon that provides community-driven, hands-on learning experiences through mentorships, storytelling, and public programming. COOP emphasizes real-world skill development, industry exposure, and meaningful engagement between individuals and professionals. Video content and program highlights are featured on YouTube at @CentralOregonOpenProgramming 

About Connect Central Oregon 

Connect Central Oregon champions community engagement and mentoring through four pillars: Volunteerism, Mentoring, Innovation, and Partnerships. Serving Crook, Deschutes, and Jefferson Counties, as well as Warm Springs, Connect Central Oregon is the toolbox for regional businesses, organizations, and individuals looking to mobilize community efforts or take them to the next level. Learn more at connectcentraloregon.org.

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Barney Lerten

PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) — Prineville Police said Friday they have arrested three juveniles on burglary and theft charges, accused of stealing nearly $2,000 worth of items from several Crook County Fair vendors a week ago.

Here’s the full news release:

On Friday, August 8, around 3:34 a.m., the Prineville Police Department responded to a report from a security guard at the Crook County Fairgrounds.

The guard reported encountering unidentified individuals in the vendor booth area. When he attempted to contact them, they fled on foot. The guard pursued the suspects but was unable to catch them and sustained injuries during the chase.

Later that morning, as fair vendors began arriving, officers conducted follow-up investigations and discovered multiple thefts had occurred overnight.

A total of six victims reported stolen items from their booths, with the total value of the stolen property estimated at nearly $2,000.

Through the course of the investigation, Prineville Police detectives identified three juveniles believed to be responsible for the thefts. Investigators also developed information regarding the possible location of some of the stolen property. Based on this evidence, arrest warrants were issued for all three juveniles, along with a search warrant for a residence on SE Elm Street.

On Thursday, August 14, at around noon, officers executed the search warrant at the SE Elm Street residence. Two of the juvenile suspects were located at the home, while the third was found at another location.

All three were taken into custody and lodged on charges of second-degree burglary and first-degree theft. Their identities are being withheld due to their age. Multiple stolen items were located at the residence.

This case remains under active investigation. No further information is available at this time.

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Jillian Fortner

(Update: comments from DEQ, Deschutes County Public Health, KTVZ chief meteorologist)

PORTLAND, Ore. (KTVZ) – The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has released the 2025 Wildfire Smoke Trends Report, which gathers and examines data about how the 2024 wildfire season affected air quality across the state.

Oregon’s wildfire season has historically started in late July and continued into early September. In the last three years, fires have begun in mid-July and extended into early October. The 2024 wildfire season included numerous fires and complexes throughout the entire state. Smoke from wildfires in Washington also affected the air quality in Oregon.

Across the state, wildfire smoke has contributed to an increase in the number of days with Air Quality Index levels that are Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups or worse, with notable examples observed in Bend and Klamath Falls.

Between 2000 and 2012, Bend had six USG (Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups) days caused by wildfire smoke.

Between 2013 and 2024, Bend experienced 98 days at USG or worse, including 31 Unhealthy days, 10 Very Unhealthy days, and eight Hazardous days. Of those, 94 days ≥ USG occurred from 2017 to 2024.

“It’s a pretty dramatic change, and we see increases like that across the state,” said Chris Varley, DEQ’s air quality public affairs specialist.

“It is important to note that even Moderate AQI levels can adversely affect sensitive individuals. There is no completely ‘safe’ level of exposure to PM2.5. Additionally, wildfire smoke contains a complex mixture of hazardous elements, things like formaldehyde, benzene, and even some heavy metals, which are dangerous to breathe,” explained Ali Mirzakhalili, DEQ’s Air Quality Administrator. “Everyone should keep watch on local air quality and take steps to avoid or minimize exposure to smoke in order to protect themselves, their families, friends, and neighbors.”

The report features the recalibration of historical data for Oregon’s AQI levels back to the year 2000 in order to reclassify the data according to the Environmental Protection Agency’s more protective AQI standards introduced in May 2024.

Deschutes County Health Services Climate and Health Coordinator Sarah Worthington said, “That particulate matter is actually more hazardous than what we previously believed it to be. So even just a smaller amount is considered to have impacted the air quality.”

Despite last year’s costly wildfire season and the large number of acres burned, the DEQ report shows it wasn’t unusual, when it comes to poor air quality.

KTVZ Chief Meteorologist John Carroll says wind and fire location can matter more than the size of the fire.

“The year before that, we had a big fire in the Cascades with the winds coming from the west, bringing that smoke right here into Deschutes County,” Carrol saidl. “Although it was a smaller number of acreage that year, we had poorer air quality because of the position of the fire and the direction of the winds.”

The DEQ says this year has been milder so far, with fewer smoky days.

“The weather has been a little cooler, a little more wet,” Varley said.

Officials warn that severe wildfire seasons are still likely in the years ahead.

Worthington said, “We’re really in somewhat uncharted territory, in terms of having this new and unfortunately, often frequent hazard with our air quality,” Worthington said.

Check the air quality in your area here.

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