Air Pollution Forecast and Caution - Extended

Date/Time Issued: Friday, August 24, 2018/12:00 p.m.

Next Update: Monday, August 27, 2018/12:00 p.m.

The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has extended an Air Pollution Forecast and Caution to notify residents of Cassia, Gooding, Jerome, Lincoln, Minidoka, and Twin Falls Counties of degraded air quality.  Due to wildfire smoke health impacts may occur, BURNING RESTRICTIONS ARE IN EFFECT.  Air quality is currently in the UNHEALTHY FOR SENSITIVE GROUPS* category and is forecast to be in the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups to Unhealthy categories. Note: air quality is likely to change drastically with slight changes in weather conditions and fire behavior. The pollutant of concern is Fine Particulate Matter (PM2.5).

Health Impacts and Recommended Actions

When air quality is unhealthy for sensitive groups, sensitive persons* may experience health effects and should limit prolonged or heavy exertion and limit time spent outdoors. The general public is unlikely to be affected.

Woodstove  Burning Restrictions

Voluntary burn ban for residential wood burning activities.

Outdoor Burning Restrictions

All outdoor open burning is prohibited by the Department of Environmental Quality in accordance with the Rules for the Control of Air Pollution in Idaho (IDAPA 58.01.01.550).

Contact

For more information, contact DEQ’s Regional Office in Twin Falls at (208) 736-2190.

For real-time air monitoring information, visit DEQ’s website at airquality.deq.idaho.gov.

For more information concerning local ordinances contact your local city or county.

Air Quality Index (AQI):

For more information on the AQI, visit http://www.epa.gov/airnow/aqi_brochure_02_14.pdf.

For more information about wildfire smoke, visit Idaho’s Smoke Blog at idsmoke.blogspot.com.

* Sensitive groups include those with heart and lung disease, older adults, and children.