Shifting winds has brought very smoky conditions to the Gorge from wildfires burning in Northwest Oregon.  Air quality monitoring from the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality rated conditions in the Gorge from very unhealthy to hazardous as of Friday morning.  Local health officials advise residents during poor air quality to stay inside if possible and keep windows and doors closed, and avoid strenuous outdoor activity.  Use high efficiency particulate air, or HEPA, filters, either as portable filters or installed in HVAC systems.  Drink lots of water to keep your airway moist and avoid respiratory irritation. Avoid driving in smoky areas, and if you must do so roll the windows up and set the air conditioning system to recirculate to avoid brining smoke into the vehicle.  Also, cloth, dust, and surgical masks do not protect from the harmful particles of smoke.