Idaho could experience an above-normal wildfire season this summer. The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) suggests planning your wildfire response now to keep your family safe and limit exposure to wildfire smoke.

According to National Interagency Fire Center’s Predictive Services forecasts, Idaho is expected to be above normal for significant wildland fire potential in July and August. View their June forecast summary here. https://www.predictiveservices.nifc.gov/outlooks/monthly_seasonal_outlook.pdf

 

DEQ recommends taking the following steps to prepare for the upcoming wildfire season:

• Bookmark air quality reporting websites. Many of these websites display current air quality conditions and provide links to smoke forecasts and ways to help you plan ahead. Recommended air quality websites are listed below.

• Do your research and make a plan. Develop a family evacuation plan, work with your doctor on a prescription medicine plan, or equip your home with clean air resources. It all takes time, so start working now on the best solutions for your family.

Idaho Environmental Quality Real-Time Air Monitoring http://airquality.deq.idaho.gov/

Idaho Environmental Quality Smoke Blog (Managed July through September) http://idsmoke.blogspot.com/

Idaho Health and Welfare https://healthandwelfare.idaho.gov/Health/EnvironmentalHealth/WildfireSmoke/tabid/2172/Default.aspx

EPA’s Air Quality Index reporting https://www.airnow.gov/

U.S. Forest Service PNW Research Station’s Pacific Wildland Fire Sciences Laboratory https://tools.airfire.org/