Smoke has arrived!!

Air quality is forecast to be in the GOOD to UNHEALTHY FOR SENSITIVE GROUPS range today, with the worst air quality occurring overnight in the valleys of North and Central Idaho and the Treasure Valley, where it could reach UNHEALTHY.

Patchy smoke and haze will linger for North and Central Idaho today with limited clearing expected from afternoon winds and mixing. Patchy smoke and haze will also linger over the Treasure Valley with limited clearing expected from afternoon winds and mixing. As southerly winds build today, the patchy smoke and haze over the Magic Valley will clear. Light to patchy smoke and haze will drift south from the East Central Mountains and Montana into East Idaho later this evening. As temperatures decrease tonight, lingering smoke and haze across Idaho will become trapped under surface temperature inversions and settle in valleys and low-lying areas which will raise local AQI levels until the inversions break later in the morning.

Air Quality Advisories are in place for all counties in central and north Idaho, as well as some southwest counties. Click here to see the most recent advisories in place. 

RRFS-CONUS Near Surface Smoke model initialized at July 20, 2026 5 a.m. MDT shows smoke and haze from Oregon and Washington drifting into North and Central Idaho, and the Treasure Valley. Light smoke and haze are seen drifting into East Idaho from the East Central Mountains and Montana.

Air Quality Advisory Issued for the Nez Perce Reservation

 

Smoke Ready Week 2026 - Eliminate Fire Risk

Most wildfires are human-caused and preventable - do your part to prevent wildfires and wildfire smoke:  

Never leave campfires or debris burns unattended.  

 

Avoid burning during windy conditions. Wind can cause embers to spread quickly, igniting dry vegetation. 

 

Ensure campfires and hot coals are completely extinguished by drowning, stirring, and feeling for heat. 

 

Use spark arresters on equipment. Chainsaws, ATVs, and other machinery can produce sparks that ignite dry grass and brush. 

 

Don’t drive or park on dry grass. The undercarriage of your car is hot and can catch vegetation on fire. 

 

Don’t let tow chains drag. Dragging chains can cause sparks. 

  

Obey all local fire restrictions. Check before starting any outdoor activities that involve fire. 

 
Find more wildfire prevention tips here!

Smoke Ready Week 2026 - Keep a Plan

Everyone should reduce exposure to wildfire smoke. Most healthy adults will experience relatively minor effects like respiratory symptoms or eye irritation. Children, older adults, and people with asthma, heart or lung disease, or other health conditions may be at greater risk of experiencing more severe health effects.  

Speak with your doctor before wildfire season and prepare a plan to keep yourself safe: 

 

➡️ Refill essential medications 

➡️ Gather any specialized equipment you might need 

➡️ Talk to your doctor about whether N95 masks are right for you 

➡️ Have an evacuation plan that includes a cleaner air space 

➡️ Find ways to protect your mental health during long smoke events 

Smoke Ready Week 2026 - Optimize Your Air

 

Keeping your indoor air clean is one of the best ways to stay safe during wildfire smoke events. You can create a clean room in your home with a few simple steps:  

 

➡️ Close windows and doors  

➡️ Run an air purifier with a HEPA filter or make a DIY clean air fan  

➡️ Avoid burning candles, incense, or scented products  

➡️ Skip cooking methods that create smoke or strong smells.  

 

When you need to shelter indoors, these strategies can make your home more comfortable for both people and pets. Your heart and lungs will thank you!