DEQ Lewiston Regional Office Emergency Air Quality Forecast and Caution

The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) Lewiston Regional Office has extended an Emergency Air Quality Forecast and Caution with mandatory burn ban from 10 a.m. September 1, 2015 through 10 a.m. September 2, 2015 to notify residents of Idaho and Clearwater Counties (off the Nez Perce Reservation) of degraded air quality. Air quality is currently in the Moderate category and is forecast to remain in the Moderate category for Idaho County and southern Clearwater County, river corridors and drainages will continue to receive elevated particulate concentrations.  Conditions may deteriorate rapidly and move into the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups categories at times based on fire activity and winds.

DEQ has lifted the Emergency Air Quality Forecast and Caution effective 10 a.m. September 1, 2015 for residents of Latah, Nez Perce and Lewis Counties (off the Nez Perce Reservation). Air quality is currently in the Good category and is forecast to remain in the Good to lower Moderate category for the next few days. DEQ will continue to monitor smoke and fire activity throughout the region.                                                                              

Additional information for health recommendations, air quality, and wildfire can be found on the Idaho Smoke Information Blog at http://idsmoke.blogspot.com/.   Please see the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare links under the Smoke and Health tab on the blog for additional health recommendations for sensitive groups, communities, schools and daycare facilities.  

Smoke impacts and complaints can be reported to our Smoke Information Hotline at (800)-345-1007.  Air Quality Advisory information can also be found by calling (855) 401-4636 or the DEQ Lewiston Regional Office at (877) 541-3304 or (208) 799-4370 for additional questions or concerns.