8/8/13 Idaho DEQ smoke forecast

Most areas in Idaho experienced Good air quality yesterday, even though several wildfires continued to burn in Idaho, as well as in Oregon, Washington, and Montana.  The Treasure Valley and Twin Falls, experienced Moderate air quality yesterday due to wildfire smoke from the Oregon fires.  Challis, Salmon, and Lowman also experienced air quality in the lower Moderate range yesterday.  Air quality in Idaho is forecasted to remain in the Good air quality for today, except the Treasure Valley, Salmon, Challis, and Lowman, which are forecasted to be in the Moderate range. 

Two fires started near Fairfield in South Idaho yesterday.  3 new fires also started in Southeast Oregon that could cause smoke impacts in Southwest Idaho.  All of the new fires are expected to be contained by Friday.  For additional information on fires in Idaho and neighboring states visit www.inciweb.org.

Southern Idaho will continue to see light smoke impacts from fires in Oregon, as well as the 2 new fires near Fairfield.  Areas to the east of fires, such as Lowman, Challis, and Fairfield, as well as drainage basins, will experience light to moderate smoke impacts.  However, during the day, any wildfire smoke in the valleys should mix out. 

4 emergency monitors have been installed in Idaho to help monitor smoke impacts from wildfires:

·         DEQ installed a monitor in Challis for the Lodgepole fire. The information can be found at http://app.airsis.com/USFS/ Choose monitor #Idaho1004

·         The USFS installed monitors in Lowman, Atlanta, Challis.  The information can be found at http://www.wrcc.dri.edu/cgi-bin/smoke.pl

o   Lowman monitor is Smoke#19

o   Atlanta monitor is Smoke#13

o   Challis monitor is Smoke#21 – co-located with DEQ’s monitor

o   Users should be aware that the Forest Service site reports the data in Coordinated Universal Time (UTC).  To convert from UTS to Mountain Daylight Time, subtract 6 hours.

View DEQ near-real time monitoring at:  http://airquality.deq.idaho.gov/

Smoke forecasts are dependent on predicted fire growth and weather.  If conditions change unexpectedly, impacts could occur.  Communities nearby active fires may experience periods of air quality which are Moderate (visibility of 6-10 miles).  When visibility starts to go below 5 miles, sensitive groups should minimize outdoor activities.  Everyone else should minimize prolonged or physical activity outdoors.  Refer to the Smoke and Health Tab on the Idaho Smoke Information Blog for additional health information. 

Your eyes are your best tools to determine if it’s safe to be outside.  Even if you smell smoke, the air quality may still be good. 

AQI Category	Visibility (miles)
Good	11+
Moderate	6-10
Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups	3-5
Unhealthy	1½  -2¾
Very Unhealthy	1-1¼
Hazardous	Less than 1