A a recent study reveals Medford, Grants Pass, and Bend as the nation’s most smoke-impacted cities, with Southern Oregon accounting for six of the top 10 smokiest locales.
Researchers from the University of Washington Bothell identified Medford, Grants Pass, and Bend as the three U.S. cities most affected by wildfire smoke between 2019 and 2023. The study combined satellite imagery with ground-level air quality data to track particulate matter linked to wildfires. Southern Oregon dominated the findings, with Klamath Falls (#5), Roseburg (#6), and Eugene-Springfield (#10) also ranking among the nation’s smokiest regions.
The analysis linked smoke exposure to approximately 42,500 asthma-related emergency room visits nationwide during the study period.
In January, Oregon finalized updated Wildfire Hazard Maps, designating 106,000 properties as high-risk. The maps, developed by Oregon State University and the Oregon Department of Forestry, classify areas based on vegetation, terrain, and historical fire data. High-risk zones may face new building codes and landscape regulations to improve fire resilience.
Rising insurance premiums in Southern Oregon—up 20–40% in high-risk areas like Ashland—have intensified calls for state intervention. Legislators are debating certifications for “fire-hardened” communities, which could incentivize defensible space creation and fire-resistant construction.