Air Pollution Forecast and Caution Extended

Air Pollution Forecast and Caution - Extended

 

Date/Time Issued: Thursday, August 23, 2018/10:00 a.m.

Next Update: Friday, August 24, 2018/10:00 a.m.

The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has extended an Air Quality Advisory and Stage 1 Air Pollution Forecast and Caution to notify residents of Benewah, Bonner, Boundary, Kootenai and Shoshone Counties of degraded air quality.  Due to continued smoke impacts from wildfires around the western U.S. and Canada, air quality has been degraded, BURNING RESTRICTIONS ARE IN EFFECT. Air quality is currently in the MODERATE to UNHEALTHY FOR SENSITIVE GROUPS* categories and is forecast to continue to be degraded for the next 24 hours. The pollutant of concern is Fine Particulate Matter (PM2.5).

Health Impacts and Recommended Actions

When air quality is unhealthy for sensitive groups, sensitive persons* may experience health effects and should limit prolonged or heavy exertion and limit time spent outdoors. The general public is unlikely to be affected.

Woodstove Burning Restrictions

No Restrictions

Outdoor Burning Restrictions

All outdoor open burning is prohibited by the Department of Environmental Quality in accordance with the Rules for the Control of Air Pollution in Idaho (IDAPA 58.01.01.550).

Contact

For more information, contact DEQ’s Regional Office in Coeur d'Alene at (208) 769-1422.

For real-time air monitoring information, visit DEQ’s website at airquality.deq.idaho.gov.

For more information concerning local ordinances contact your local city or county.

Air Quality Index (AQI):

For more information on the AQI, visit http://www.epa.gov/airnow/aqi_brochure_02_14.pdf.

For more information about wildfire smoke, visit Idaho’s Smoke Blog at idsmoke.blogspot.com.

* Sensitive groups include those with heart and lung disease, older adults, and children.