LANE COUNTY, Ore. (KMTR) -- Smoke from the Pole Creek fire near Sisters has drifted into the upper elevations of the Willamette Valley this morning. The fire grew over the weekend and is still only ten percent contained. The smoke is clearly visible, however, air quality at ground level is still in the good category. Residents in the Eugene, Springfield and Cottage Grove areas are encouraged to keep an eye on air quality today.
“After a strong on-shore flow kept the area clear of smoke over the weekend, winds shifted overnight, pushing smoke over to the west side of the Cascadesm” said Sally Markos, spokesperson for the Lane Regional Air Protection Agency (LRAPA). LRAPA’s air quality monitors in downtown Springfield, south Eugene and Cottage Grove are currently recording air quality in the good range, but that could change. The National Weather Service is forecasting southwest winds for tomorrow, which should clear the smoke out of the valley.
The possibility of periodic smoke intrusions will continue until the fire is fully contained. Air quality in the valley may be impacted depending on conditions. Residents sensitive to smoke pollution should take precautions if air quality deteriorates. The public can track hourly particulate levels and the Air Quality Index by logging onto the LRAPA website at www.LRAPA.org.
#PoleCreekFire near Sisters more than doubles in size
http://t.co/R1Rn126y 
Pole Creek Fire #polecreekfire Correction Infrared mapping shows fire size at 16,500 acres.
