PENDLETON — Smoke from forest fires in the Columbia Gorge and Grant County blew through Hermiston and Pendleton Monday, dropping air quality in the region to moderate and potentially unhealthy levels. The hazy air may linger through Wednesday.

The Umatilla County Health Department reported Monday the Pendleton area would be hit harder than Hermiston. They predicted smoky air from wildfires near John Day will remain in Pendleton until Wednesday night, whereas Hermiston’s haze from fires near The Dalles should lessen tonight and dissipate by Wednesday morning.

“Smoke conditions can change rapidly depending on wind speed and direction, so it is important for people to monitor air quality levels throughout the day,” said UCHD clinic supervisor Sharon Waldern in a press release. “We encourage people to limit their outdoor activities when air quality levels are moderate to unhealthy.”

The county also urged young residents and those with lung or heart issues to follow their health care provider’s advice about preventing and treating their symptoms.