EPA Lifts the Kootenai Reservation Air Quality Advisory and Burn Ban

Air quality on the Kootenai Reservation has improved and, in coordination with the Kootenai Tribe of Idaho, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) lifted its Air Quality Advisory and Ban on Open Burning for the Reservation, effective immediately. 

Other restrictions on open burning remain in place, including those for fire danger, by Reservation officials or any federal agencies. Before burning always check with your local fire department or appropriate Tribal agency.        

For current burn ban and air quality advisories on Tribal lands, please call the EPA FARR Hotline at 1-800-424-4372, or visit the FARR website. 

Clearer skies continuing; some mild impacts in North Idaho

North Idaho will see light to moderate smoke, with more impacts possible in the Panhandle and near wildfires. Central Idaho will see mostly light smoke, with some moderate smoke in the Central Mountains. South and East Idaho should remain mostly clear.

Overnight into Wednesday, smoke from Washington and British Columbia will spread into North Idaho, bringing more moderate smoke to the Panhandle. Light smoke may also spread into Central Idaho, while South and East Idaho remain mostly clear. Wednesday afternoon winds should improve conditions somewhat, but light to moderate smoke will continue across North Idaho.

The highest AQI levels are expected in North Idaho, portions of Central Idaho,
and near wildfires. Some areas could briefly reach UNHEALTHY FOR SENSITIVE GROUPS levels.

HRRR-NCEP Near Surface Smoke initialized 06Z (12 a.m. MDT) 18 August 2026. 

Air Quality Advisory Lifted for the Nez Perce Reservation

 

Blue skies visible!

Light smoke will remain across North and parts of Central Idaho today, especially in the Panhandle and near active wildfires. South and East Idaho should stay mostly clear.

Smoke will settle into valleys overnight, with some improvement Tuesday as winds increase. The highest AQI levels are expected in North Idaho, parts of Central Idaho, and near active wildfires, with some areas possibly reaching UNHEALTHY FOR SENSITIVE GROUPS levels.

Source: HRRR-NCEP Near Surface Smoke initialized 06Z (12 a.m. MDT) 17 August 2026 and valid at 6 p.m. MDT 17 August 2026

Stay calm! It's happening (for most of us) -- clearer skies on the horizon

While some light smoke will be present for at times this weekend in North and Central Idaho today, South and East Idaho will stay mostly hazy or clear.

Overnight, smoke and haze will settle into valleys across North and Central Idaho. Saturday, showers and afternoon winds may help improve conditions though light to locally moderate smoke will still be possible in North Idaho through the weekend - mainly near active fires.

By Monday, stronger winds should help clear some of the smoke. However, smoke will continue near active wildfires. The highest AQI levels are expected in North and Central Idaho and near active fires. UNHEALTHY FOR SENSITIVE GROUPS air quality is possible at times.

HRRR-NCEP Near Surface Smoke initialized 06Z (12 a.m. MDT) 14 August 2026 and valid at 6 p.m. MDT 14 August 2026