News Release –
Cooperative Smoke Message
Date: August 19 , 2013
During the summer and fall, local and regional fires affect air
quality. Prescribed (man-made) fire is an important tool for both the
forestry and agricultural communities. Fire benefits the ecosystem by
destroying diseases, stimulating growth, and reducing the potential for
catastrophic wildfires.
However, smoke is a byproduct of all sources of fire.
Therefore, when managing smoke a number of factors are considered to determine
if burning will be allowed. These include:
§
the
number of fires burning or planned in the area
§
the
amount of smoke already present in the airshed
§
the
current and projected weather and air quality conditions
§
coordination
between agencies that conduct and/or oversee burning
It’s important to know that smoke can travel long distances, so
fires in other areas can also affect local air quality. Our agencies are
working together to manage smoke and share information with the public.
For all smoke comments and complaints, call the following number:
Smoke Hotline: 800-345-1007
To find out about potential
wildfire smoke in your area, visit the following website:
Visit These Websites for Air Quality
& Burn Information:
Idaho Department of Environmental
Quality:
Montana/Idaho Airshed Group: http://www.smokemu.org
United States Forest Service and Idaho
Department of Lands: http://gacc.nifc.gov/nrcc/dc/idgvc/index.htm
Additional Contacts:
Melissa Bacon, Idaho
Department of Environmental Quality, 208-799-4370
Johna Boulafentis, Nez
Perce Tribe Air Quality, 800-720-4089
Laura Smith, Clear/Nez
Fire Zone (Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests), 208-983-5143
Dave Summers, Idaho
Department of Lands, 208-935-2141
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