
In the summer of 2017, Oregonians woke up and smelled the smoke. Wildfires encroached on the daily lives of our state’s 4 million people, as hazardous smoke drifted into small communities and major metropolitan areas alike. Breathing became difficult and caused many school sporting events, as well as outdoor concerts and performances, to be canceled. Restaurants, retailers and other businesses lost revenue. Highways closed. Workers took long detours to get to their jobs, or stayed home. More than 7,600 people were evacuated from their homes due to fire danger.
Topics include:
- Air quality and health
- Travel, tourism and employment
- Transportation
- Rural and social impacts
- Firefighting costs