Air-quality readings returned to unhealthy in many parts of the Rogue Valley Friday night as smoke from area wildfires continued to drift into the region.

Jackson County Public Health issued an air-quality advisory through Sunday evening, July 28, due to wildfires north of Jackson County, according to a late Friday news release.

“Air quality is expected to improve Saturday evening, with intermittent smoke through the weekend,” the release noted. “However, it is important to remember that smoke levels can quickly rise and fall depending on weather factors and the activity of the wildfire.

“Therefore, people need to be prepared to take steps to protect their health during wildfire season,” the health department release said.

Readings were listed as unhealthy for nearly all parts of the valley at 8 p.m., from Ashland to Rogue River to Eagle Point. Ashland had some readings in the “unhealthy for sensitive groups” range, but weather monitors reported dangerous air for most other cities.

Parts of south Ashland were listed as “very unhealthy,” according to the Iqair.com website.

The National Weather Service in Medford noted the smoke in its discussion posted at 8:08 p.m. Friday but called for clear conditions in Medford Friday night. The high in Medford Saturday is forecast for 91 under sunny skies.

Tips from the health department to stay safe during wildfire smoke include:

• Be aware of smoke concentrations in your area and avoid the places with the highest concentrations.

• Stay indoors with doors and windows closed. Whether you have a central air-conditioning system or a room unit, use high-efficiency filters to capture fine particles from smoke. Ask an air-conditioning professional what type of high-efficiency filter your air conditioner can accept.

• Create a “clean room” in your home. Choose a room with no fireplace and as few windows and doors as possible, such as a bedroom. Use a portable air cleaner in the room.

• Maintain good indoor air quality by avoiding smoking inside, using gas, wood‐burning stoves or furnaces, aerosol sprays, frying or broiling meat, burning candles or incense, and vacuuming.

• The Oregon Health Authority has an air conditioner and air filter deployment program for people living in Jackson County who are currently or recently eligible for medical assistance.

• Temporarily leave the area and go to an area with cleaner air. Go to public indoor areas with cleaner air space.

• Drink lots of water. Staying hydrated can keep your airways moist, which will help reduce symptoms of respiratory irritation such as scratchy throat, running nose, and coughing.

• Have a supply of NIOSH-approved respirators and learn how to use them. If you choose to wear a respirator, select a particulate respirator marked with the word “NIOSH.” If it has an “N,” “R,” or “P” along with the number 95, 99, or 100 printed on it, it is appropriate to use. Oregon OSHA has videos in Spanish and English on how to properly wear a respirator.