Update and links: Campus is open, air quality is hazardous

Although the Holiday Farm Fire has caused power outages and evacuations approximately 25 miles east of the Eugene-Springfield area in the McKenzie River watershed, the Eugene area has not been evacuated.

With a few exceptions, the UO campus remains open for students, faculty members and staff with no change to work schedules and no closures. Check individual department or program websites for updated information.

Regional wildfires have filled the air around campus and the Eugene-Springfield area with smoke and particulates at levels ranging from unhealthy to hazardous. Residents have been advised to stay indoors with windows closed and to avoid strenuous activity when outside.

The university is coordinating with Lane County and is currently working on resources to be provided to students, faculty members and staff who may be affected by evacuation orders. If evacuation orders were to be issued for campus areas, the university would use the UO Alert text notification system, which would provide directions on where to go.

Additionally, the county has a reverse 911 system that should ping phones within the geographic boundaries and adjacent areas subject to evacuation orders.

See the UO Wildfire Resources page for updated resources for UO students and employees.

The UO is offering academic accommodations and support for students impacted by the wildfires or working as firefighters.

For more UO information, see the UO’s air quality safety page and map of evacuation zones.

For up-to-date road closures, see the Oregon Department of Transportation’s TripCheck site.

For information on current air quality, see the Lane Regional Air Protection Agency website.  

For information on reducing the health effects of wildfire smoke, see the Oregon OSHA website.