Updated 1300 MDT Monday, June 29, 2015
Valid through Noon MDT Thursday, July 2, 2015
Smoke Outlook
DEQ has started issuing smoke forecasts due to increased wildfire activity and degraded air quality throughout the state. Air quality is forecast to remain in the Good to Moderate air quality category for at least the next couple of days.
Over the past few days there have been several wildfires with relatively local smoke impacts across the state. Light haze and associated impacts can be expected across most of the state of Idaho ranging from the Clearwater Basin and north into the Idaho Panhandle. Furthermore, night time drainage smoke from that region may also impact the Treasure Valley Tuesday morning. Regional smoke impacts will also be evident as fires continue to burn south of Kennewick and Walla Walla in Washington as well as central Oregon and southern California.
The fire potential is expected to remain elevated over southwest Idaho and the west-central Mountains. Dry conditions can lead to fire and fire-related accidents. Please exercise safety and precautions around fire.
Know before you burn-understand the Federal, state, tribal, and local open burning requirements and restriction that apply. Burn bans are currently in effect in many areas and may include firework prohibitions.
Wildfire forecast will remain valid through above date unless conditions become unrepresentative.
Please be aware of and utilize the Smoke Complaint Hotline at 1-800-345-1007.
To find an air quality forecast for your area, visit the DEQ's Daily Air Quality Reports and Forecasts webpage.
View real time smoke monitoring at: http://www.airnow.gov/index.cfm?action=topics.smoke_wildfires
View DEQ near-real time monitoring at: http://airquality.deq.idaho.gov/
To find information on wildfire activity, visit Inciweb
DEQ will start issuing daily smoke forecasts again if wildfire activity increases.Smoke forecasts are dependent on predicted fire growth and weather. If conditions change unexpectedly, impacts could occur. When visibility starts to go below 5 miles, sensitive groups should minimize outdoor activities. Everyone else should minimize prolonged or physical activity outdoors.
Refer to the Smoke and Health Tab on the Idaho Smoke Information Blog for additional health information.
Smoke forecasts are dependent on predicted fire growth and weather. If conditions change unexpectedly, impacts could occur. When visibility starts to go below 5 miles, sensitive groups should minimize outdoor activities. Everyone else should minimize prolonged or physical activity outdoors. Refer to the Smoke and Health Tab on the Idaho Smoke Information Blog for additional health information.
Your eyes are your best tools to determine if it’s safe to be outside. Even if you smell smoke, the air quality may still be good.
AQI Category
|
Visibility (miles)
|
Good
|
11+
|
Moderate
|
6-10
|
Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups
|
3-5
|
Unhealthy
|
1½ -2¾
|
Very Unhealthy
|
1-1¼
|
Hazardous
|
Less than 1
|
