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CONDON — The Stubblefield fire near Condon in southern Gilliam County is about 30 percent contained, but smoke from it and other fires in the Northwest and Canada is expected to hang in the area for the next few days.

The Umatilla County Health Department sent out a warning Monday morning that as of 8 a.m. the air quality in Pendleton and Milton-Freewater was classified as “hazardous” while Hermiston’s was rated “very unhealthy.” Everyone, even those not affected by asthma or other respiratory issues, is encouraged to stay indoors and avoid exposure as much as possible.

According to a Sunday afternoon release from the Oregon Fire Marshal, crews are making steady progress on the Stubblefield fire, which has grown to 16,700 acres. On Sunday there were 21 fire engines, five water tenders and 91 firefighters from agencies around the state.

A Level 2 “Be Set” evacuation readiness order was issued by the Gilliam County Sheriff’s Office Saturday and remained in effect Sunday for the north end of Ferry Canyon Road and the west end of Richmond Lane. The sheriff’s office asked everyone to avoid the area to allow fire crews easier access.

Firefighters will burn out areas in front of the fire to reduce fuel and stop its growth, according to the release, and that will create even more smoke.

Crews are paying particular attention to stopping any fire progress toward Condon. A helicopter is using bucket drops and another is flying reconnaissance in that effort.

Another thunderstorm may be coming into the area Sunday afternoon, with the possibility of rain.

The National Weather Service has issued a warning that smoke is expected to get worse in the Mid-Columbia for the next few days. Updated information can be found at www.airnow.gov.

Further west, fire crews are working on the Westcliff fire, which is northwest of Hood River between Interstate 84 and the Columbia River. The fire was reported after midnight Sunday, starting in a structure and moving into rugged cliffs. Residents in the area were forced to evacuate.

It was about five acres Sunday morning, but increasing winds through the afternoon were expected to make it difficult to control.

Union Pacific closed railroad lines north of the fire as a precaution, according to a press release.