Clearing in southern Idaho

Air quality forecasts for today are in the Good to Moderate Category.

A cold front will pass across southern Idaho and scour smoke from the area and a westerly flow pattern will reduce smoke coming into Idaho. Air quality will improve from west to east, with conditions dropping into the Good/Moderate category tomorrow by noon in eastern and southeast Idaho. Periodic smoke surges will affect the southern Panhandle and the Palouse periodically tonight and tomorrow morning.

Video: HRRR-NCEP Near Surface Smoke valid 8/31/2021

Smoke coming back

Air quality forecasts are in the Good to Moderate Category.

Concentrations look to build over all of southern Idaho, first affecting the Southern Highlands, Southeast Highlands, and elevated terrain of the Central Idaho Mountains. By 6pm MDT, conditions look to engulf all of south Idaho, outside of a sliver within the Treasure Valley and Payette and Weiser Valleys. Smoke looks to reach all areas south of a line running between Cascade and Salmon. This smoke will clear from west to east beginning tomorrow around noon.  North Idaho will see two distinct pulses of smoke during the forecast window, the first occurring around 2pm PDT and affecting the LC Valley and the Spokane-Coeur d’Alene corridor.  This wave will track east with brief clearing behind it as a dry cold front passes through. By 3am PDT tomorrow morning, a secondary wave will track into the Panhandle and across the eastern portion of northern Idaho, primarily impacting Shoshone and Clearwater Counties before clearing around 7am PDT.

Video: HRRR Near-Surface Smoke Valid 8/30/2021

Air Quality Advisory lifted for south central and southeastern Idaho

 

Clearing today!

Air quality forecasts for today are in the Good to Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups Category.

Northwest flow and precipitation will help keep skies clear in North Idaho and will begin to clear southern Idaho today. Conditions will begin to improve around noon today and continue throughout the evening from west to east. 

Eastern Idaho will begin to see improvement by around 1 p.m.  This flow pattern will keep the state clear tomorrow and into Sunday. Late Sunday, smoke will begin to build along the Idaho border with Nevada as a west to southwest flow pattern becomes established. That flow will become more southwesterly on Monday, allowing smoke to enter southern Idaho. North Idaho looks to remain clear, outside of any local fires.

Video: 0Z (initialized 06pm MDT 08/26/21) FireWork near surface smoke model indicates clearing through the weekend across Idaho.

Air Quality Notice -- Coeur d’Alene Reservation

 

Time / Date:			9:00 AM Aug 27, 2021
Location:			Kootenai and Benewah County on Coeur d’Alene Reservation
Action:			Stage II Notice lifted 8/27/21 Fire danger still in the HIGH category  CONTACT YOUR LOCAL FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT OR THIS OFFICE FOR MORE INFORMATION.
Cause of Air Pollution:			Wild fires in CA, WA, ID and Oregon with wind direction can increase air pollution levels in our area, these conditions can improve with wind direction in our favor through this weekend as new systems move in.
AQI and AQI Category:			Current Conditions: AQI  = 23 in the Good Everyone should enjoy the outdoors today, sensitive* people should still remain cautious of changing conditions. Go to the links on the bottom of this page for more detailed information.   Air quality is expected to remain the same this weekend. Wind direction could increase /decrease smoke in our area, be aware of changing conditions to protect your health.
Pollutant (s):			Fine particulate from wild fires smoke
Restrictions in Effect Until:			None at this time
Next Update:			Monday 8/30/21 with Update on conditions
Contact:			Les Higgins(208) 686-8101 or (208) 659 2275
What is the Air Quality Index?
	AQI	Category		Cautionary Statement
	0-50	Good		None
	51-100	Moderate		Sensitive* people should consider limiting prolonged outdoor exertion.
	101-150	Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups		Everyone should limit exertion outdoors.
	151-200	Unhealthy		Everyone should limit exertion.
	201-300	Very Unhealthy		Limit any exertion.
	301-500	Hazardous		Stay indoors and avoid any exertion.
	* Sensitive groups include children, the elderly, those with existing health conditions, and people who have high exposure (those who work, exercise, or spend extensive time out of doors).   For more detailed information about the AQI, visit: https://www.airnow.gov/ For more information on Idaho’s Air Quality visit http://airquality.deq.idaho.gov/ For more information on CDA Tribal Smoke Management, visit https://www.cdatribe-nsn.gov/nr/smoke-management/ For more information on CDA Tribe Air Quality visit https://www.cdatribe-nsn.gov/nr/air-quality/ For up-to-date air quality monitoring info, visit the Idaho Smoke Blog at idsmoke.blogspot.com http://www.idahofireinfo.com/p/fire-restrictions.html Stage II Fire Restrictions https://documentcloud.adobe.com/link/review?uri=urn:aaid:scds:US:e92fc11c-e661-4fad-8462-91bd8a356f17

Air Quality Advisory Extended for parts of South Central and Southeastern Idaho

 

Clearing on the horizon

Air quality forecasts for today are in the Good to Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups Category. 

Smoke concerns remain across southern Idaho with increasing concentrations across central Idaho.  North Idaho looks to clear beginning around 4pm this afternoon while south Idaho should expect to see elevated readings across the landscape until tomorrow morning when clearing begins from west to east. The clearing looks to reach Pocatello between 10-11am. Smoke will continue to clear after that time.

Video: HRRR Smoke Near Surface Smoke Initialized at 12Z (06am MDT) and valid 5pm MDT shows clearing in the north with light haze while increased concentrations remain over south Idaho.

Parts of south central and southeastern Idaho still affected by Air Quality Advisory

 

Smoke concerns remain over south central, southeast, and eastern Idaho

Air quality forecasts for today are in the Good to Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups Category.

Smoke concerns remain across south central, southeast, and eastern Idaho today. There will be a slight improvement over eastern and southeast Idaho in the afternoon before the smoke settles in again this evening. Smoke over the Middle Snake River Plain and south central Idaho mountains will remain elevated all day. Increased smoke impacts are possible within the Treasure Valley today, though wind patterns indicate that smoke will most likely remain aloft, contributing to hazy skies. In North Idaho, conditions will remain clear with increasing haze over Idaho County.

Video: HRRR-Smoke Near Surface Smoke initialized 12Z (06am MDT) and valid at 3pm MDT this afternoon shows increased surface smoke across the Middle Snake and into the Central Idaho Mountains.  Smoke looks to build along the higher terrain across the Southern Highlands.

Health impacts possible in parts of Eastern, Southern, and Southeastern Idaho

 

Smoke persists over southern Idaho

Air quality forecasts for today are in the Good to Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups Category.

Conditions look favorable in North Idaho while smoke persists over southern Idaho. There will be a slight improvement over the Upper Snake River Plain today, however, concentrations will remain elevated. Conditions will likely deteriorate over the Central Idaho mountains south of Idaho County. Elevated smoke will be present and increase from south to north. Tomorrow, winds should shift to the northwest, which would allow for a cleaner air mass to move into the state.

Video: HRRR Vertically Integrated Smoke Valid 8/24/2021

EPA Lifts Ban on Open Burning for Kootenai Reservation

Seattle – (Monday, August 23, 2021) -- Air quality has improved on the Kootenai Reservation, and in coordination with the Kootenai Tribe of Idaho, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) lifted its ban on open burning for the reservation effective immediately.   

Restrictions on open burning, including those for fire danger, by the tribe or other federal agencies remain in place. Before burning always check with your local fire department or appropriate tribal agency.       

      

EPA thanks all reservation residents for their cooperation in protecting and maintaining good air quality.        

      

For current burn ban and air quality advisories on tribal lands, please call the EPA FARR Hotline at 1-800-424-4372, or visit https://www.epa.gov/farr/burn-bans-indian-reservations-id-or-and-wa#current-bans.  For 

Southeastern Idaho may experience health impacts from smoke

 

Air Quality Advisory - Coeur d’Alene Reservation

 

Time / Date:			9:00 AM Aug 23, 2021
Location:			Kootenai and Benewah County on Coeur d’Alene Reservation
Action:			Stage II Notice in Effect Until Friday 8/27/21  CONTACT YOUR LOCAL FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT OR THIS OFFICE FOR MORE INFORMATION.
Cause of Air Pollution:			Wild fires in CA, WA, ID and Oregon with wind direction can increase air pollution levels in our area, these conditions could change through this week as new systems move in.
AQI and AQI Category:			Current Conditions: AQI  = 20 in the Good Everyone should enjoy the outdoors today, sensitive* people should still remain cautious of changing conditions. Go to the links on the bottom of this page for more detailed information.   Air quality is expected to remain the same this week. Wind direction could increase /decrease smoke in our area, be aware of changing conditions to protect your health.
Pollutant (s):			Fine particulate from wild fires smoke
Restrictions in Effect Until:			Stage II Restrictions no open burning until Friday 8/27/21 with Update on conditions
Next Update:			Notice will be updated as conditions change.
Contact:			Les Higgins(208) 686-8101 or (208) 659 2275
What is the Air Quality Index?
	AQI	Category		Cautionary Statement
	0-50	Good		None
	51-100	Moderate		Sensitive* people should consider limiting prolonged outdoor exertion.
	101-150	Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups		Everyone should limit exertion outdoors.
	151-200	Unhealthy		Everyone should limit exertion.
	201-300	Very Unhealthy		Limit any exertion.
	301-500	Hazardous		Stay indoors and avoid any exertion.
	* Sensitive groups include children, the elderly, those with existing health conditions, and people who have high exposure (those who work, exercise, or spend extensive time out of doors).   For more detailed information about the AQI, visit: https://www.airnow.gov/ For more information on Idaho’s Air Quality visit http://airquality.deq.idaho.gov/ For more information on CDA Tribal Smoke Management, visit https://www.cdatribe-nsn.gov/nr/smoke-management/ For more information on CDA Tribe Air Quality visit https://www.cdatribe-nsn.gov/nr/air-quality/ For up-to-date air quality monitoring info, visit the Idaho Smoke Blog at idsmoke.blogspot.com http://www.idahofireinfo.com/p/fire-restrictions.html Stage II Fire Restrictions https://documentcloud.adobe.com/link/review?uri=urn:aaid:scds:US:e92fc11c-e661-4fad-8462-91bd8a356f17

Favorable conditions in North Idaho

Air quality forecasts are in the Good to Moderate Category.

Conditions continue to look favorable in North Idaho while smoke along the southern border will move in and out of the Snake River Plain today. Smoke conditions will remain elevated across the Middle and Upper Snake River Plain.

Video: HRRR-smoke near surface smoke model initialized 12Z (06am MDT).

Smoky weekend ahead

Air quality forecasts for today are in the Good to Moderate Category.

Smoke will infiltrate the southern Panhandle and central Idaho today entering Benewah and Latah Counties and then Bonner and Idaho Counties by 9 p.m. local time. It will slowly dissipate tonight. Smoke from Oregon and California will impact the Treasure Valley, Owyhee County, and Twin Falls County Saturday morning. It will expand into the Middle and Upper Snake River Plain and then the Teton Valley by 3 p.m. local time Saturday. By midnight Sunday, heavy smoke concentrations are expected from Mountain Home south to the Nevada border and east to the Montana and Wyoming borders before slowly dispersing throughout the day. Another wave of smoke is expected Sunday afternoon that will cover all of southern Idaho. North Idaho will have a fairly clear Saturday followed by smoke impacts on Sunday. The smoke will enter via the Columbia Basin and encompass the Panhandle and the northern fringes of central Idaho. On Monday, a brief clearing in the morning will be followed by smoke from the southwest.

Video: Canadian FireWork Surface Smoke output

Air Quality Advisory still in effect for Eastern Idaho

 

Conditions similar to yesterday

Air quality forecasts are in the Good to Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups Category. 

Areas in the Upper Snake River Plain will see improvements today, although elevated smoke concentrations will remain. For the remainder of the state, conditions will be similar to yesterday with periods of smoke impacts followed by clearing. Tomorrow, a consistent northwest wind will degrade air quality along the Idaho/Washington border from Benewah County south to Adams County along the Oregon border. By noon MDT, surface smoke will enter via the Columbia Plateau and expand in coverage across Kootenai County and south into Clearwater and Idaho Counties. Smoke will also infiltrate the Lower Treasure Valley and impact Payette, Canyon, and Ada Counties. Eastern Idaho will continue to clear tomorrow.

Video: HRRRSmoke: Near Surface Smoke- initialized 12Z (06am MDT) and valid at 12noon MDT 08/20/21 shows smoke building into the southern Panhandle, central Idaho, and the Treasure Valley with clearing elsewhere

Air Quality Advisory extended for southeastern Idaho and parts of eastern Idaho

 

A mixed bag - clearing up north but not in eastern Idaho

Air quality forecasts are in the Good to Unhealthy categories.

Current smoke models show clearing across the Panhandle, slight improvements across central and southwest Idaho, and increasing concentrations across eastern Idaho. The main area of concern today is eastern and southeast Idaho. Precipitation has started to improve air quality in the southeast but its impact is muted over eastern Idaho. The potential for scouring will only last through the next few hours as the precipitation is expected to pass out of the region by noon today. Clearing will not fully develop in the area until tomorrow.

Video: Vertically-integrated smoke model showing ample coverage over eastern Idaho today with clearing anticipated elsewhere later this evening.

Most parts of state still experiencing possible health impacts from smoke

 

Clearing across southern Idaho today

Air quality forecasts are in the Moderate to Unhealthy categories. 

Smoke will continue to clear across southern Idaho, reaching as far east as Pocatello by midnight tonight. At that time, a fresh wave of smoke will enter southern Idaho from the west, increasing concentrations in the Treasure Valley by tomorrow morning before clearing tomorrow afternoon. Conditions will clear from the Columbia Plateau into central Idaho while smoke currently located over the Panhandle will track south and converge with this incoming air in Kootenai County. This, along with the threat of precipitation, could scour the atmosphere across North Idaho. Central Idaho looks to clear this afternoon before a secondary surge of smoke approaches from the northwest. Finally, the southern Panhandle also looks to experience brief clearing today before a locally-concentrated area of smoke settles over Kootenai, Shoshone, and northern Benewah Counties tonight by midnight.

Video: Modeled RADAR initialized at 06Z (0000MDT 08/17/21). It shows the precipitation band ahead of the cold front and the timing it is anticipated to pass through Idaho.

 

Some smoke clearing in the north

Air quality forecasts for today are in the Moderate to Unhealthy categories. 

Today, winds will shift to be southwesterly. Smoke levels will dissipate from north to south, clearing as far south as a line running from Baker City, OR, to Missoula, MT, though local smoke impacts will remain widespread south of those areas. Conditions have improved this morning across northern Idaho and should continue to do so throughout the afternoon and evening. Locally high concentrations will reestablish late tonight and early tomorrow morning before windy and active weather begins to clear the state from west to east.

Video: HRRR-Some Near Surface Smoke initialized 12Z (06am MDT) and valid 3pm MDT indicates a clear delineation between improved air quality and deteriorated air quality across Idaho.

 

Protect your pets!

Fido and Fluffy are home all day long and they're sensitive to smoke too. Keep them inside as much as possible and make sure their indoor air is clean.

It's not advised to leave clean air fans on when you're not home so your pets' clean air relies on a good HVAC filter. Check out this EPA factsheet to learn more about protecting your beloved pets.

Protect yourself!

We’re looking at a pretty smoky weekend. Protect yourself by being prepared! The best way to reduce your exposure and reduce health impacts is to stay inside and make sure you are breathing clean air. If you need to go out, consider wearing an N95 mask. Get extra medication now if needed.

Keep an eye on the air quality at: https://airquality.deq.idaho.gov/home/map or EPA’s Fire and Smoke Map: https://fire.airnow.gov/

 

Most parts of Idaho experiencing smoke - health could be impacted

 

Air Quality Alert Issued for the Nez Perce Reservation

 

EPA Declares Outdoor Burning Ban for the Fort Hall Reservation

 (Seattle – Friday, August 13, 2021) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 10 has issued a ban on all outdoor open burning on the Fort Hall Reservation effective Sunday, 1 a.m., Aug.15 and in effect until further notice. This ban is to protect air quality impacted by wildfire smoke from regional fires. 

  

The burn ban applies to all outdoor and agricultural burning—including camping and recreational fires—in all areas within external reservation boundaries regardless of ownership or tribal membership. Ceremonial and traditional fires are exempt from the burn ban.   

  

EPA requests that reservation residents reduce all sources of air pollution as much as possible, including fireworks, driving and idling of vehicles because air pollution has harmful health effects that can persist. Community cooperation with the ban will help people who are most at risk.  

  

Many people are at high risk from smoke: children, the elderly, pregnant women, people with asthma or difficulty breathing. Those with diabetes, heart problems or otherwise compromised health are also at risk. As much as possible, these people should avoid outdoor exercise and minimize exposure to outdoor pollution. Under the most severe pollution levels all residents should restrict their activities.

 

When air quality is expected to remain poor for more than 24 hours, the EPA declares a ban on open burning to prevent further deterioration of air quality and associated impacts on human health. Air quality conditions are influenced by factors such as wind, temperature, and time of day, as well as the location, size, and control strategy for regional wildfires. EPA scientists use weather forecasts, satellite pictures, fire incident reports, and air quality models to forecast air quality for tribal communities and predict when burn bans should be declared.  

 

To check current air quality conditions at your location go to https://fire.airnow.gov. For current burn ban status on tribal lands, please call the EPA FARR Hotline at 1-800-424-4372, or visit https://www.epa.gov/farr/burn-bans-indian-reservations-id-or-and-wa#current-bans. For burning restrictions in areas outside reservation boundaries, please contact your local clean air agency, fire department, or the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality http://idsmoke.blogspot.com/. 

Air Quality Advisory - Coeur d’Alene Reservation

 

Time / Date:			8:30 AM Aug 13, 2021
Location:			Kootenai and Benewah County on Coeur d’Alene Reservation
Action:			Stage II Notice in Effect see below to CONTACT YOUR LOCAL FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT OR THIS OFFICE FOR MORE INFORMATION.
Cause of Air Pollution:			Wild fires in CA, WA, ID and Oregon with wind direction can increase air pollution levels in our area, these conditions could continue through this weekend.
AQI and AQI Category:			Current Conditions: AQI  = 197 in the Unhealthy Everyone should limit out door exposure sensitive* people should be extremely cautious. Go to the links on the bottom of this page for more detailed information.   Air quality is expected to remain the same this weekend. Chance of rain on Sunday or Monday with wind direction can help to improve conditions into next week.  Wind direction could increase /decrease smoke in our area, be aware of changing conditions to protect your health.
Pollutant (s):			Fine particulate from wild fires smoke
Restrictions in Effect Until:			Stage II Restrictions No open burning until further notice
Next Update:			Notice will be updated as conditions change.
Contact:			Les Higgins(208) 686-8101 or (208) 659 2275
What is the Air Quality Index?
	AQI	Category		Cautionary Statement
	0-50	Good		None
	51-100	Moderate		Sensitive* people should consider limiting prolonged outdoor exertion.
	101-150	Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups		Everyone should limit exertion outdoors.
	151-200	Unhealthy		Everyone should limit exertion.
	201-300	Very Unhealthy		Limit any exertion.
	301-500	Hazardous		Stay indoors and avoid any exertion.
	* Sensitive groups include children, the elderly, those with existing health conditions, and people who have high exposure (those who work, exercise, or spend extensive time out of doors).   For more detailed information about the AQI, visit: https://www.airnow.gov/ For more information on Idaho’s Air Quality visit http://airquality.deq.idaho.gov/ For more information on CDA Tribal Smoke Management, visit https://www.cdatribe-nsn.gov/nr/smoke-management/ For more information on CDA Tribe Air Quality visit https://www.cdatribe-nsn.gov/nr/air-quality/ For up-to-date air quality monitoring info, visit the Idaho Smoke Blog at idsmoke.blogspot.com http://www.idahofireinfo.com/p/fire-restrictions.html Stage II Fire Restrictions https://documentcloud.adobe.com/link/review?uri=urn:aaid:scds:US:e92fc11c-e661-4fad-8462-91bd8a356f17