Air Quality Forecast and Caution Extended

Air Quality Forecast and Caution - Extended

 

Date/Time Issued: Monday, August 20, 2018/10:00 a.m.

Next Update: Thursday, August 23, 2018/10:00 a.m.

The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has extended 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 to VERY UNHEALTHY category and is forecasted to remain degraded. The pollutant of concern is Fine Particulate Matter (PM2.5).

Woodstove  Burning Restrictions

Voluntary burn ban for residential wood burning activities.

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).

Health Impacts and Recommended Actions

When air quality is very unhealthy, the entire population is more likely to be affected. Sensitive persons* should avoid all physical activity outdoors. Everyone else should avoid prolonged or heavy exertion and stay indoors.

Contact

For more information, contact DEQ’s Regional Office in Lewiston at (208) 799-4370.

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.