Forecast and Caution Extended

Air Quality Forecast and Caution - Extended

 

Date/Time Issued: Friday, August 17, 2018/9:30 a.m.

Next Update: Monday, August 20, 2018/10:00 a.m.

The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has issued an Air Quality Advisory and Stage 1 Air Quality 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.  Air quality is currently in the UNHEALTHY for SENSITIVE GROUPS to UNHEALTHY categories for several areas in north Idaho and is forecast to continue to be degraded. Some improvement may occur over the weekend however, conditions are forecast to deteriorate once again. The pollutant of concern is Fine Particulate Matter (PM2.5).

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).

Health Impacts and Recommended Actions

When air quality is UNHEALTHY everyone may begin to experience health effects sensitive groups may experience more serious effects & should avoid prolonged/heavy exertion & stay indoors. Everyone else should limit time outdoors.

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.