What is an air quality Forecast and Caution and how does it impact me?

During wildfire season, you will likely see DEQ issue an air quality Forecast and Caution to inform the public when smoke concentrations have reached, or are forecasted to reach and persist, at levels likely to affect your health.  A Forecast and Caution is intended to help you make informed health choices for the day and to limit further buildup of pollution in the affected areas.

The Forecast and Caution will include specific warnings and advice to those most susceptible to the effects of smoke.  It also prohibits intentional open burning on state and federal lands until the Forecast and Caution is lifted.

Let’s hope we have very little need for any Forecast and Cautions notices this summer and avoid wildfires altogether!

For more information go to http://www.deq.idaho.gov/air-quality/monitoring/air-pollution-emergencies/