BURNING RESTRICTIONS ARE IN EFFECT. Air Quality Forecast and Caution Clearwater, Idaho, Latah, Lewis, and Nez Perce counties,

The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has issued an Air Quality Forecast and Caution to notify residents of Clearwater, Idaho, Latah, Lewis, and Nez Perce counties, river corridors and surrounding areas off the Nez Perce Reservation  of degraded air quality. Due to wildfire smoke, BURNING RESTRICTIONS ARE IN EFFECT. Air quality is currently in the MODERATE category and is forecasted to remain degraded through the weekend. Conditions may deteriorate rapidly based on fire activity and winds. Sensitive persons should limit prolonged or heavy exertion and limit time spent outdoors.  The pollutant of concern is Fine Particulate Matter (PM2.5).                                                                                        

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: Activity Guideline Recommendations for Children During Wildfire Smoke Events and Community Guide for Staying Healthy During Wildfire Smoke Events.  

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.