City firefighters had a busy Fourth of July, with over 100 calls, but there were no major incidents or fires causing significant damage, said Brian Carrera, Salem Fire Department’s deputy chief of administrative services. A typical day sees about 80 calls, he said.
Carrera said the fire department still needs to analyze data to determine how many calls were fireworks-related and how 2023 compares to last Independence Day.
Meanwhile, Salem is under an air quality alert for smog, along with the Portland and Eugene metro areas, the state Department of Environmental Quality said late Wednesday morning.
The agency expects ozone levels to reach levels unhealthy for sensitive groups, which includes children, pregnant people, older adults and people with heart disease or respiratory conditions. The agency recommends people limit time outdoors and limit activities that contribute to smog, including idling engines or using gas-powered equipment outdoors.
Ozone pollution increases throughout the day, and the department said the region would be under an alert until Wednesday evening. You can check current air conditions here.
Now, here’s some other news of the day. Catch all of our latest stories on our website anytime.
CATCH OUR SHOW:: Listen to our journalists discuss the news of the day with Wendy Brokaw of Capital Community Media. TODAY: A school employee charged with abuse and deadly Salem…
CATCH OUR SHOW:: Listen to our journalists discuss the news of the day with Wendy Brokaw of Capital Community Media. TODAY: A school employee charged with abuse and deadly Salem…