Salmon Challis Fires - ARA Report 10/18/24

 

Salmon Challis Wildfires - ARA Report 10/17/24

 

Air Quality Advisory Lifted - Lemhi County

 

Salmon Challis Wildfires - ARA Report 10/16/24

 

Air Quality Advisory in Effect - Lemhi County (north of Tendoy and Elk Bend)

 

Salmon Challis Fires - ARA Report 10/15/24

 

Air Quality Advisory in Effect - Lemhi County

 

Salmon Challis Fires - ARA Report 10/11/24

 

Nice weekend ahead

Today's air quality is forecast to be in the Good to Moderate range. 

Fires in the Central Mountains of Idaho and Central Oregon are continuing to generate smoke and haze, but the regional impacts have diminished with recent weather moving through. As the fires are smoldering, light smoke and haze will linger in the local areas. Currently, light smoke and haze are seen across portions of the Treasure Valley and Central Mountains. Afternoon winds will provide for clearing for those areas while pushing the light smoke and haze into the Magic Valley and then into East Idaho where it will remain over the Southeast Highlands overnight. Light smoke and haze will move into the Clearwater Basin and Idaho Panhandle this afternoon, lingering overnight before dispersing tomorrow afternoon. As temperatures decrease tonight, lingering smoke and haze can become trapped under surface temperature inversions and raise local AQI levels until the inversions break later the in morning, offering clearing. 

HRRR-NCEP Near Surface Smoke initialized 12Z (6 a.m. MDT) 20 September 2024 shows that the regional smoke and haze impacts from wildfires have diminished with recent weather moving through. 

Air still looking Good to Moderate across state

Today’s air quality is forecast to be in the Good to Moderate range. Areas near remaining local fires could experience brief periods of Unhealthy. 

The fires in the Central Mountains of Idaho and Central Oregon are continuing to generate smoke and haze, though regional impacts have diminished with recent rain. As the fires are smoldering, light smoke and haze will linger in the local areas. Currently, light smoke and haze are seen across the Treasure Valley. This afternoon, the light smoke and haze will linger across South Idaho through Thursday afternoon. As temperatures decrease tonight, lingering smoke and haze can become trapped under surface temperature inversions and raise local AQI levels until the inversions break later the in morning, offering clearing.

Video: The HRRR-NCEP Near Surface Smoke model, initialized at 6 a.m. MDT September 18, 2024, shows that the regional smoke and haze impacts from wildfires have diminished with recent weather moving through. 

Rainy days clearing smoke

Today’s air quality is forecast to be in the Good to Moderate range.

Fires are smoldering in the Central Mountains of Idaho and Central Oregon, generating light smoke and haze that will linger in local areas. This afternoon, the light smoke and haze seen across portions of the state will dissipate as winds increase and weather moves in.

Video: The HRRR-NCEP Near Surface Smoke model, initialized at 12 a.m. MDT September 17, 2024, shows that the regional smoke and haze impacts from wildfires have diminished with recent weather moving through.

Clean air continues!

Today’s air quality is forecast to be in the Good to Moderate range. Areas near local fires still burning may experience Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups air quality.

Fires in the Central Mountains of Idaho and Central Oregon are continuing to generate some smoke and haze, but the regional impacts have been lessened with recent weather moving through. This afternoon, the light smoke and haze seen across portions of the state will dissipate as winds increase and weather moves in. An area of light smoke will drift north into southern Idaho from Nevada this afternoon before dispersing overnight. Light smoke and haze will linger around local fires.

HRRR-NCEP Near Surface Smoke model, initialized at 6 a.m. MDT September 16, 2024, shows that the regional smoke and haze impacts from wildfires have been lessened with recent weather moving through.

Go enjoy the cleaner air!

Today’s air quality is forecast to be Good to Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups, depending on location and time. Areas near local fires could experience brief periods of Unhealthy air.

Fires in the Central Mountains of Idaho and Central Oregon are continuing to generate smoke and haze, but the regional impacts have been reduced by recent weather moving through. This afternoon, light smoke and haze will drift east through the eastern highlands and into the Treasure Valley this evening. Light smoke and haze will slowly drift north overnight and into the Clearwater Basin tomorrow morning. Light smoke and haze will drift north from Utah and into eastern Idaho tomorrow morning. As temperatures decrease tonight, lingering smoke can become trapped under surface temperature inversions and raise local AQI levels until the inversions break later the in morning, offering limited clearing.

Video: The HRRR-NCEP Near Surface Smoke model, initialized at 6 a.m. MDT September 13, 2024, shows that the regional smoke and haze impacts from wildfires have been lessened with recent weather moving through.

Smoke production reduced thanks to rain!

Today’s air quality is forecast to be in the Good to Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups depending on time and location. Areas near local fires could experience brief periods of Unhealthy air.

Fires in the Central Mountains of Idaho and Central Oregon are generating smoke and haze across portions of the Central Mountains, the Idaho Panhandle, and southern and eastern Idaho. Recent precipitation and cooler temperatures have decreased smoke production across these fires. This afternoon, the elevated westerly winds will continue to push the smoke and haze into eastern Idaho with clearing expected for southern and eastern Idaho this evening. Light smoke and haze will linger over the Idaho Panhandle, eventually dispersing tomorrow morning. Localized areas of patchy to thick smoke will remain near fire locations in the Central Mountains. Tomorrow morning, light smoke and haze will drift into the Eastern Highlands, Southeast Highlands, and the Upper Snake River Plain before clearing out tomorrow evening.

Video: HRRR-NCEP Near Surface Smoke model, initialized at 6 a.m. MDT September 12, 2024, shows light smoke and haze over portions of the Idaho Panhandle, Eastern Highlands, and Southeast Highlands. Pockets of patchy to thick smoke are seen near local wildfires.

Clearing is on the way!

Today’s air quality is forecast to be in the Good to Very Unhealthy range. Areas near local fires could experience periods of Hazardous air quality.

Smoke from fires in the Central Mountains of Idaho and Central Oregon impacting portions of the Central Mountains, North Idaho, and southern and eastern Idaho. This afternoon, smoke from Oregon fires will move into southern Idaho. Smoke and haze from the Central Mountains will push into North Idaho ahead of the weather system. Light to patchy smoke and haze will drift into eastern Idaho from Utah this afternoon. As the weather moves in today, limited to good clearing will take place across portions of the state. Later tonight, patchy smoke and haze from Oregon fires will continue to move back into southern Idaho, while patchy smoke and haze from Central Mountains fires will also move into southern and eastern Idaho. Light smoke and haze will wrap back around the low-pressure center and flow into the Idaho Panhandle from the north. As the winds remain breezy tomorrow morning, more limited to good clearing is expected across most locations outside of local fires. Patchy to thick smoke and haze will stay over portions of the Central Mountains.

Video: HRRR-NCEP Near Surface Smoke model, initialized at 6 a.m. MDT September 11, 2024, shows areas of smoke and haze from the Central Mountains and eastern Oregon extending across portions of the Central Mountains, North Idaho, South Idaho, and East Idaho. 

Smoke and haze everywhere! Fingers crossed for coming rain!

Today’s air quality is forecast to be in the Good to Very Unhealthy range. Areas around the Central Mountains fires could experience periods of Hazardous air quality.

The fires in the Central Mountains of Idaho and Central Oregon are generating areas of smoke and haze across portions of the Central Mountains, North Idaho, South Idaho, and East Idaho. Limited afternoon clearing is expected for southern, eastern, and North Idaho. Overnight, patchy smoke and haze will flow into southern Idaho from wildfires in Oregon, while patchy smoke and haze will flow into eastern and North Idaho. As temperatures decrease tonight, lingering smoke can become trapped under surface temperature inversions and raise local AQI levels until the inversions break later the in morning, offering limited clearing.

Video: HRRR-NCEP Near Surface Smoke model, initialized at 6 a.m. MDT September 10, 2024, shows areas of smoke and haze from the Central Mountains and eastern Oregon extending across portions of the Central Mountains, North Idaho, South Idaho, and East Idaho.

 

Smoke impacts more widespread now

Today’s air quality is forecast to be in the Good to Very Unhealthy range. Areas near the fires in the Central Mountains could experience periods of Hazardous air quality.

The fires in the Central Mountains of Idaho and eastern Oregon are generating areas of smoke and haze across portions of the Central Mountains, North Idaho, and portions of the Treasure Valley. This afternoon, patchy smoke and haze will drift into southern and eastern Idaho. Limited clearing is expected for portions of the Clearwater Basin and the Owyhee Mountains. With winds becoming breezy, smoke from the Central Mountains will move eastward into Montana. Overnight, patchy smoke and haze will linger over the Treasure Valley, the Magic Valley, eastern and northern Idaho before more limited clearing takes place tomorrow afternoon. Patchy to thick smoke and haze will stay over portions of the Central Mountains. As temperatures decrease tonight, lingering smoke can become trapped under surface temperature inversions and raise local AQI levels until the inversions break later the in morning, offering limited clearing.

Video: HRRR-NCEP Near Surface Smoke model,, initialized at 6 a.m. MDT September 9, 2024, shows areas of smoke and haze from the Central Mountains and eastern Oregon extending into portions of North, East, and South Idaho. This afternoon, patchy smoke and haze will drift into South and East Idaho.

 

Some clearing over southern and eastern Idaho but lingers overnight

Today’s air quality is forecast to be in the Good to Very Unhealthy range. Areas near the Central Mountains fires may experience periods of Hazardous air quality.

The Central Mountains fires are generating smoke and haze across portions of the Central Mountains, southern Idaho, eastern Idaho, and the Clearwater Basin. This afternoon, patchy smoke and haze from the Central Mountains will slowly drift into southern Idaho, the Clearwater Basin, and the eastern highlands. Limited clearing is expected for portions of southern and eastern Idaho. Overnight, smoke and haze will linger over the Central Mountains, the Treasure Valley and the Clearwater Basin. As temperatures decrease tonight, lingering smoke can become trapped under surface temperature inversions and raise local Air Quality Index levels until the inversions break later the in morning, offering limited clearing.

HRRR-NCEP Near Surface Smoke model, initialized at 6 a.m. MDT September 6, 2024, shows areas of smoke and haze from the Central Mountains extending into portions of North and southern Idaho.

EPA Lifts Air Quality Advisory on the Ft Hall Reservation

Air quality has improved on the Fort Hall Reservation, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) lifted its Air Quality Advisory effective immediately.         

Restrictions on open burning, including those for fire danger, by the Tribe or other federal agencies remain in place. Before burning always check with your local fire department or appropriate tribal agency.                 

EPA thanks all reservation residents for their cooperation in protecting and maintaining good air quality.                

For current burn ban and air quality advisories on tribal lands, please call the EPA FARR Hotline at 1-800-424-4372, or visit https://www.epa.gov/farr/burn-bans-indian-reservations-id-or-and-wa#current-bans.  

DEQ and EPA have issued Air Quality Advisories

EPA Issues Air Quality Advisory on Fort Hall Reservation       

       

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 10, in coordination with the Shoshone Bannock Tribes of the Fort Hall Reservation, has issued an air quality advisory on the Fort Hall Reservation due to the elevated pollution caused by regional fires.

 

Weather forecasts indicate poor air quality may continue at least through the end of the week. The advisory begins immediately and is in effect until further notice. Burn bans for fire safety may also be in place. 

 

Air pollution can harm health and may have lasting effects. People who are at greater risk from the effects of smoke include those who are pregnant, have heart or lung conditions, elders and children. Everyone should monitor their reactions and take precautions such as using an N95 mask or reducing activity levels if symptoms like coughing increase. 

  

To check conditions in your area, go to https://fire.airnow.gov/.  For current Advisory status on tribal lands, call the EPA FARR Hotline at 1-800-424-4372, or visit https://www.epa.gov/farr/burn-bans-indian-reservations-id-or-and-wa#current-bans. For burning restrictions in areas outside reservation boundaries, please contact your local clean air agency or fire department. 

_______________________________

 Visit the DEQ Open Burn Map for affected counties. 

Smoke across all of south Idaho and beginning to impact the north

Today’s air quality is forecast to be in the Good to Very Unhealthy range. Folks around the Central Mountains fires could experience brief periods of Hazardous air quality.

The fires in the Central Mountains of Idaho are generating areas of thick smoke and haze across portions of the Central Mountains, South Idaho, and East Idaho. This afternoon, smoke from the Central Mountains will drift into the Magic Valley, the Treasure Valley, and East Idaho. Limited clearing is expected for North Idaho this afternoon, when the winds drive the smoke and haze southward, although light smoke and haze will move south from British Columbia into the Idaho Panhandle later this evening. As temperatures decrease tonight, lingering smoke can become trapped under surface temperature inversions and raise local AQI levels until the inversions break later the in morning, offering limited clearing.

Tomorrow morning, patchy smoke and haze will begin to drift into the Clearwater Basin from fires in the Central Mountains. Easterly winds will nudge areas of thick smoke across South and East Idaho westward and into Oregon with limited clearing expected for East Idaho. With the upper-level ridging strengthening, near surface smoke and haze will persist across most of the state.

HRRR-NCEP Near Surface Smoke model initialized at 6 a.m. MDT September 4, 2024 shows areas of smoke and haze from local fires in the Central Mountains extending across South Idaho into East Idaho. Light to patchy smoke and haze are visible over North Idaho.

Hazardous air quality near fires in the Central Mountains

Today’s air quality is forecast to be in the Good to Very Unhealthy range. Areas near the Central Mountains fires could experience periods of Hazardous.

The fires in the Central Mountains of Idaho are generating areas of thick smoke and haze across portions of the Central Mountains and South Idaho. The upper low moving through is pushing more smoke across South Idaho towards East Idaho. Light to patchy smoke and haze are visible over North Idaho. This afternoon, areas of smoke from the Central Mountains will continue to drift into the Magic Valley, Treasure Valley, and East Idaho. Limited clearing is expected for North Idaho tomorrow afternoon as the winds drive the smoke and haze southward. Once the upper-level ridging strengthens, near surface smoke and haze will persist. As temperatures decrease tonight, lingering smoke can become trapped under surface temperature inversions and raise local AQI levels until the inversions break later the in morning, offering limited clearing.

HRRR-NCEP Near Surface Smoke model initialized at 6 a.m. MDT September 3, 2024 shows areas of smoke and haze from local fires in the Central Mountains and East Oregon extending across South Idaho into East Idaho. Light to patchy smoke and haze are visible over North Idaho.

Hazardous levels of smoke in Central Mountains

Today’s air quality is forecast to be in the Good to Very Unhealthy range. Areas near regional and local fires could experience periods of Hazardous.

The fires in the Central Mountains of Idaho are generating areas of thick smoke and haze across portions of the Central Mountains, South Idaho, East Idaho while light to patchy smoke and haze are visible over the Clearwater Basin. This afternoon, areas of smoke from the Central Mountains will continue to drift into the Magic Valley, Treasure Valley, and Southeast Highlands. The southward movement will temporarily provide for limited clearing across East Idaho this afternoon before more smoke moves in early tomorrow morning. Areas of smoke will linger across South and East Idaho over the weekend as the low system approaches on Sunday, shifting the overall flow more southwesterly which will aid in smoke dispersion Sunday evening. With the light winds, areas of smoke from the Central Mountains and Bitterroot Mountains will also spread north into the Clearwater Basin tomorrow. As temperatures decrease tonight, lingering smoke can become trapped under surface temperature inversions and raise local AQI levels until the inversions break later the in morning, offering limited clearing.

HRRR-NCEP Near Surface Smoke model initialized at 6 a.m. MDT August 30, 2024 shows areas of smoke and haze from local fires in the Central Mountains extending across South and East Idaho. Light to patchy smoke and haze are visible over the Clearwater Basin.

Smoke moving south from Central Mountain fires

Today’s air quality is forecast to be in the Good to Very Unhealthy range with periods in the Hazardous range near regional and local fires.  

The fires in the Central Mountains of Idaho are generating areas of thick smoke and haze across portions of the Central Mountains, the Treasure Valley, and the Magic Valley. Light to patchy smoke and haze are visible over East Idaho. This afternoon, northerly winds will continue to nudge areas of smoke from the Central Mountains into the Magic Valley, the Treasure Valley, and the Southeast Highlands. The southward movement will temporarily provide for limited clearing across East Idaho this evening before more smoke moves in early tomorrow morning. The areas of smoke will linger overnight across South Idaho. With the light winds, areas of smoke from the Central Mountains will also spread north into the Clearwater Basin tomorrow morning, and the Palouse by the afternoon. As temperatures decrease tonight, lingering smoke can become trapped under surface temperature inversions and raise local AQI levels until the inversions break later the in morning, offering limited clearing.

HRRR-NCEP Near Surface Smoke model initialized at 6 a.m. MDT August 29, 2024 shows areas of smoke and haze from local fires in the Central Mountains extending across South and East Idaho. Light to patchy smoke and haze are visible over East Idaho.

Smoke, smoke, and more smoke for Central Mountains folk

Today’s air quality is forecast to be in the Good to Unhealthy range with periods of Very Unhealthy near regional and local fires.

The fires in the Central Mountains of Idaho are generating areas of thick smoke and haze. Light to patchy smoke and haze are visible over South and East Idaho. This afternoon, northerly winds will nudge areas of smoke from the Central Mountains into the Magic Valley, while the winds across the Snake River Plains will push the smoke eastward. By midafternoon, the transport winds will have a more westerly direction and the thick smoke from the Central Mountains will flow east towards Montana and East Idaho. Light smoke and haze will move into North Idaho from a local fire in Washington. Limited dispersion can be expected across portions of North and East Idaho this afternoon. Thick smoke and haze will remain in portions of the Central Mountains from local fires. Diurnal drainage winds will set back up tonight and areas of thick smoke and haze will return to portions of the Treasure and Magic Valleys. Light to patchy smoke and haze will linger across North and East Idaho overnight. Light morning northerly winds will continue to push the smoke and haze across South and East Idaho through tomorrow afternoon with limited dispersion for East Idaho. As temperatures decrease tonight, lingering smoke can become trapped under surface temperature inversions and raise local AQI levels until the inversions break later the in morning, offering limited clearing.

HRRR-NCEP Near Surface Smoke model initialized at 6 a.m. MDT August 28, 2024 shows areas of smoke and haze from local fires in the Central Mountains extending eastward. Light to patchy smoke and haze are visible over South, and East Idaho.

Still smoky in the Central Mountains; hazy elsewhere

Today’s air quality is forecast to be in the Good to Unhealthy range with brief periods of Very Unhealthy air near local and regional fires.

The fires in the Central Mountains of Idaho are generating areas of thick smoke and haze and light to patchy smoke and haze are visible over North, South, and East Idaho. This afternoon, southwesterly winds will continue to nudge areas of smoke from the Central Mountains towards Montana. Light smoke and haze will move into the Palouse Basin from a local fire in Washington. While light smoke and haze will move into the Treasure Valley this evening from the fires in the Central Mountains. Limited dispersion can be expected across portions of the North and East Idaho this afternoon. Thick smoke and haze will remain in portions of the Central Mountains from local fires. As the low-pressure system moves through the Central Mountains, the winds will shift from the northwest forcing patchy smoke and haze into the Snake River Plain tomorrow morning. As temperatures decrease over night, lingering smoke can become trapped under surface temperature inversions and raise local AQI levels until the inversions break later the following morning, offering limited clearing.

HRRR-NCEP Near Surface Smoke model initialized at 6 a.m. MDT August 27, 2024 shows areas of smoke and haze from local fires in the Central Mountains extending eastward. Light to patchy smoke and haze are visible over North, South, and East Idaho.

Hi, it's Idaho. We're the problem. It's us.

Today’s air quality is forecast to be Good to Unhealthy with brief periods of Very Unhealthy near regional and local fires.

The fires in the Central Mountains of Idaho are generating areas of thick smoke and haze. Light to patchy smoke and haze are visible over the Bitterroot Mountains, the Magic Valley, and East Idaho. This afternoon, light smoke and haze will move into East Idaho from the Central Mountain fires. Limited dispersion can be expected across portions of the Magic Valley and East Idaho this afternoon. Thick smoke and haze will remain in portions of the Central Mountains from local fires. As temperatures decrease over night, lingering smoke can become trapped under surface temperature inversions and raise local AQI levels until the inversions break later the following morning, offering limited clearing.

HRRR-NCEP Near Surface Smoke model initialized at 6 a.m. MDT August 26, 2024 shows areas of smoke and haze from local fires in the Central Mountains extending eastward. Light to patchy smoke and haze are seen over the Bitterroot Mountains, the Magic Valley, and East Idaho.

Big smoke impacts over Central Idaho

Today’s air quality is forecast to be in the Good to Unhealthy range with periods in the Very Unhealthy range for those near local and regional fires.

The fires in the Central Mountains of Idaho are generating areas of thick smoke and haze that are drifting into North Idaho. Light to patchy smoke and haze are also visible over South and East Idaho. This afternoon, southwesterly winds will nudge smoke into the Magic Valley from the fires in California and Nevada. Limited dispersion can be expected across portions of South and North Idaho this afternoon. Patchy smoke and haze from the Central Mountains will continue to drift east into Montana and portions of East Idaho later this evening. Thick smoke and haze will remain in portions of the Central Mountains from local fires. As temperatures decrease over night, lingering smoke can become trapped under surface temperature inversions and raise local AQI levels until the inversions break later the following morning, offering limited clearing.

HRRR-NCEP Near Surface Smoke model initialized at 6 a.m. MDT August 23, 2024 shows areas of smoke and haze from local fires in the Central Mountains extending northward. Light to patchy smoke and haze are seen over North, South, and East Idaho.

Smoke and haze across the state

Today’s air quality is forecast to be in the Good to Unhealthy range, though areas near regional and local fires could experience brief periods of Very Unhealthy.

The fires in the Central Mountains of Idaho are generating areas of thick smoke and haze. Light to patchy smoke and haze are visible over North, East, and South Idaho. This afternoon, southerly winds will nudge smoke towards the Clearwater Basin and the Magic Valley. Limited dispersion can be expected across portions of South and North Idaho this afternoon. Patchy smoke and haze will drift into South and North Idaho later this evening. As temperatures decrease over night, lingering smoke can become trapped under surface temperature inversions and raise local AQI levels until the inversions break later the following morning, offering limited clearing. Light to patchy smoke and haze will move into portions of East Idaho early tomorrow morning.

HRRR-NCEP Near Surface Smoke model initialized at 6 a.m. MDT August 22, 2024 shows areas of smoke and haze from local fires in the Central Mountains extending northward. Light to patchy smoke and haze are seen over North Idaho and the Magic Valley. 

Same old, same old. Lots of smoke in the central portion of the state.

Today’s air quality is forecast to be in the Good to Unhealthy range. Areas near local and regional fires could experience brief periods of Very Unhealthy.

The fires in the Central Mountains of Idaho are generating areas of thick smoke and haze. Light to patchy smoke and haze are visible over North and South Idaho. This afternoon, southwesterly winds will nudge smoke into the East Central Mountains and North Idaho. Limited dispersion can be expected across portions of South and North Idaho this afternoon. Patchy smoke and haze from the Central Mountain fires will drift south into South and East Idaho later this evening. More light to patchy smoke and haze will linger over the Idaho Panhandle overnight. Thick smoke and haze will remain in portions of the Central Mountains from local fires. As temperatures decrease over night, lingering smoke can become trapped under surface temperature inversions and raise local AQI levels until the inversions break later the following morning, offering limited clearing. Afternoon winds tomorrow will become more southerly and push areas of smoke from the Central Mountains into the Idaho Panhandle.

HRRR-NCEP Near Surface Smoke model initialized at 6 a.m. MDT August 21, 2024 shows areas of smoke and haze from local fires in the Central Mountains extending eastward. Light to patchy smoke and haze are visible over portions of South and North Idaho. 

Thick smoke over Central Mountains

Today’s air quality is forecast to be in the Good to Unhealthy range. Areas near local fires could experience brief periods of Very Unhealthy air quality.

Currently, smoke and haze are seen across portions of the Central Mountains and North and South Idaho. This afternoon, southwesterly winds will nudge areas of smoke into the East Central Mountains and North Idaho. Limited dispersion can be expected across portions of South and North Idaho this afternoon, but by evening, patchy smoke and haze will drift into South and East Idaho. Light to patchy smoke and haze will linger over the Idaho Panhandle overnight. Thick smoke and haze will remain in portions of the Central Mountains from local fires. As temperatures decrease over night, lingering smoke can become trapped under surface temperature inversions and raise local AQI levels until the inversions break later the following morning, offering limited clearing.

HRRR-NCEP Near Surface Smoke initialized 06Z (12 a.m. MDT) 20 August 2024 shows areas of smoke and haze from local fires in the Central Mountains extending eastward. Light to patchy smoke and haze are visible over portions of South and North Idaho.

Air Quality Advisory in Effect for Boise and Valley County

 

Fires in Central Mountains impacting Idaho

Today’s air quality index is forecast to be in the Good to Unhealthy range, though areas near local and regional fires could experience brief periods of Very Unhealthy.

Currently, smoke and haze are seen across portions of the Central Mountains and North and South Idaho. This afternoon, southwesterly winds will nudge areas of smoke from the West Central Mountains into the East Central Mountains, the Bitterroot Mountains, and North Idaho. Smoke and haze will linger over the Panhandle overnight. After some limited dispersion across portions of South and North Idaho this afternoon, patchy smoke and haze will drift into South Idaho later this evening. Smoke and haze will remain in portions of the Central Mountains from local fires. As temperatures decrease over night, lingering smoke can become trapped under surface temperature inversions and raise local AQI levels until the inversions break later the following morning, offering limited clearing. Light smoke and haze will drift into South and North Idaho tomorrow morning before afternoon winds provide further limited dispersion.

NOAA GOES-West GeoColor (true color) visible satellite image captured at 9:21 a.m. MDT on August 19, 2024 shows light smoke and haze visible over North Idaho with thick smoke seen over over the Central Mountains. Thickest smoke is seen over the West Central Mountains.

Smoky, hazy nights and some clearing during the day

Today’s air quality is forecast to be in the Good to Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups range. Areas near locals fires may experience brief periods of Unhealthy.

Thick smoke and haze are seen across portions of the Central Mountains, while light to patchy smoke and haze are visible over North and South Idaho. This afternoon, smoke from the West Central Mountains will move into the East Central Mountains. Limited dispersion can be expected across portions of South and North Idaho until this evening when patchy smoke and haze from the Central Mountain fires will drift into South Idaho. Smoke and haze will linger over the Idaho Panhandle overnight and portions of the Central Mountains overnight. As temperatures decrease over night, anywhere smoke  can become trapped and raise local AQI levels until the following morning. Light smoke and haze will drift into South and North Idaho tomorrow morning before afternoon winds provide limited clearing.

HRRR-NCEP Near Surface Smoke model initialized at 6 a.m. MDT August 16, 2024 shows areas of smoke and haze from local fires in the Central Mountains extending eastward. Light to patchy smoke and haze are visible over portions of South Idaho, North Idaho, and the Magic Valley.

Limited dispersion this afternoon for parts of South and North Idaho

Today’s air quality is forecast to be in the Good to Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups range. Areas near local fires could experience brief periods of Unhealthy. 

Currently, smoke and haze are seen across portions of the Central Mountains and  North and South Idaho. This afternoon, westerly winds will nudge areas of smoke from the West Central Mountains into the East Central Mountains. Limited dispersion can be expected across portions of South and North Idaho this afternoon. Patchy smoke and haze from the Central Mountain fires will drift into South Idaho later this evening, while more light to patchy smoke and haze from Washington will move into the Idaho Panhandle overnight. Thick smoke and haze will remain in portions of the Central Mountains from local fires. As temperatures decrease over night, lingering smoke can become trapped under surface temperature inversions and raise local AQI levels until the inversions break later the following morning, offering limited clearing. More light smoke and haze will drift into South and North Idaho tomorrow morning before afternoon winds provide further limited dispersion.

HRRR-NCEP Near Surface Smoke model initialized at 6 a.m. MDT August 15, 2024 shows areas of smoke and haze from local fires in the Central Mountains extending eastward. Light to patchy smoke and haze are visible over portions of South and North Idaho. 

Central Mountains seeing biggest smoke impacts

Today’s air quality is forecast to be in the Good to Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups range, though areas near regional and local fires may experience brief periods of Unhealthy.

Currently, smoke and haze are visible across North, East, and South Idaho. Portions of the Central Mountains are experiencing thick smoke and haze from local fires where it remain all day. This afternoon, westerly winds will nudge areas of smoke from the West Central Mountains into the East Central Mountains. Limited dispersion can be expected for portions of South, East, and North Idaho. Light smoke and haze will drift back into South Idaho this evening. As temperatures decrease over night, lingering smoke across the state can become trapped under surface temperature inversions and raise local AQI levels until the inversions break later the following morning, offering limited clearing. More light smoke and haze will drift into South and North tomorrow morning before afternoon winds provide more limited dispersion.

HRRR-NCEP Near Surface Smoke model initialized at 6 a.m. MDT August 14, 2024 shows areas of smoke and haze from local fires in the Central Mountains extending eastward. Light to patchy smoke and haze are visible over portions of South, East, and North Idaho.

Thick smoke and haze across Central Mountains

Today’s air quality is forecast to be in the Good to Unhealthy range. The highest AQI levels will be experienced near local and regional fires.

Currently, smoke and haze are seen across portions of the Central Mountains, North, and South Idaho. This afternoon, westerly winds will nudge areas of smoke from the West Central Mountains and South Idaho into the East Central Mountains, the Magic Valley, and the Bitterroot Mountains. Limited dispersion this afternoon can be expected across portions South and North Idaho. Light to patchy smoke and haze will drift into South Idaho from Oregon and the Idaho Panhandle from Washington this evening. Thick smoke and haze will remain in portions of the Central Mountains from local fires. Across the state, as temperatures decrease over night, any lingering smoke can become trapped under surface temperature inversions and raise local AQI levels until the inversions break later the following morning, offering limited clearing. More light smoke and haze will drift into South Idaho and North Idaho tomorrow morning before afternoon winds provide more limited dispersion.

HRRR-NCEP Near Surface Smoke model initialized at 6 a.m. MDT August 13, 2024 shows areas of smoke and haze from local fires in the Central Mountains extending eastward. Light to patchy smoke and haze are visible over portions of South Idaho and North Idaho.

No surprises here - still smoky. Afternoons offer best chances for clearing

Today’s air quality is forecast to be in the Good to Unhealthy range.  The highest AQI values will be seen around regional and local fires.

Currently, smoke and haze are seen across portions of South and North Idaho and the Central Mountains. This afternoon, westerly winds will nudge areas of thick smoke from the West Central Mountains and South Idaho into the East Central Mountains. Limited dispersion this afternoon can be expected across portions South and North Idaho. As temperatures decrease over night, lingering smoke can become trapped under surface temperature inversions and raise local AQI levels until the inversions break later the following morning, offering limited clearing. More light smoke and haze will drift into South and North Idaho tomorrow morning before afternoon winds provide more limited dispersion.

NOAA Near Surface Smoke initialized 06Z (12 a.m. MDT) 12 August 2024 shows areas of smoke and haze from local fires in the Central Mountains extending eastward. Patchy smoke and haze are visible over portions of South Idaho and North Idaho.

EPA Lifts Air Quality Advisory on the Ft. Hall Reservation

(Seattle – Thursday, September 15, 2022) -- Air quality has improved the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) lifted its Air Quality Advisory for the Fort Hall Reservation effective immediately.     

Restrictions on open burning, including those for fire danger, by the Tribe or other federal agencies remain in place. Before burning always check with your local fire department or appropriate tribal agency.            

EPA thanks all reservation residents for their cooperation in protecting and maintaining good air quality.                  

For current burn ban and air quality advisories on tribal lands, please call the EPA FARR Hotline at 1-800-424-4372, or visit https://www.epa.gov/farr/burn-bans-indian-reservations-id-or-and-wa#current-bans.   

Some see improvement while smoke and haze will linger for most of state

 Air Quality Advisory Lifted for Blaine, Camas, Bingham, Bannock, Power, Caribou, Bear Lake, Franklin, and Oneida Counties.

Air quality can change quickly during wildfires. Check the DEQ's real-time air quality map and open burn map frequently. 

Today’s air quality is forecast to be in the Good to Unhealthy range, while areas near regional and local fires may experience periods of Very Unhealthy air.

Smoke and haze are currently seen over portions of South, East, and North Idaho, as well as the Central Mountains. Westerly winds this afternoon will push thick smoke from the West Central Mountain and South Idaho into the East Central Mountains and the Magic Valley. Limited dispersion across South Idaho is expected, when some patchy smoke and haze moves towards the southern Idaho border. South and East Idaho will see more clearing Saturday afternoon. Otherwise, light to patchy smoke will linger through the weekend across most of the state. Overnight surface temperature inversions will trap lingering smoke and raise AQI values until limited clearing occurs after inversions break in the late mornings.

HRRR-NCEP Near Surface Smoke initialized at 6 a.m. MDT  August 9, 2024 shows areas of smoke and haze from local fires in the Central Mountains extending eastward. Patchy smoke and haze are visible over East Idaho and North Idaho.

EPA Issues Air Quality Advisory for Fort Hall Reservation

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 10, in coordination with the Shoshone Bannock Tribes of the Fort Hall Reservation, has issued an air quality advisory on the Fort Hall Reservation due to the elevated pollution caused by regional fires.

 

Weather forecasts indicate poor air quality will continue at least through Saturday with possible clearing on Sunday. The advisory begins immediately and is in effect until further notice. Burn bans for fire safety may also be in place. 

 

Air pollution can harm health and may have lasting effects. People who are at greater risk from the effects of smoke include those who are pregnant, have heart or lung conditions, elders and children. Everyone should monitor their reactions and take precautions such as using an N95 mask or reducing activity levels if symptoms like coughing increase. 

  

To check conditions in your area, go to https://fire.airnow.gov/.  For current Advisory status on tribal lands, call the EPA FARR Hotline at 1-800-424-4372, or visit   

https://www.epa.gov/farr/burn-bans-indian-reservations-id-or-and-wa#current-bans. For burning restrictions in areas outside reservation boundaries, please contact your local clean air agency or fire department. For smoke and fire information in Idaho visit http://idsmoke.blogspot.com/         

AQAs still in effect for most of southern Idaho

 Check the Open Burn Map for a list of affected counties. 

Smoky southern Idaho

Today’s air quality is forecast to be in the Good to Unhealthy range for most of the state but areas near regional and local fires could experience periods of Very Unhealthy air.

Currently, thick smoke and haze are seen across portions of South Idaho and the Central Mountains. Patchy smoke and haze are seen over East Idaho and the Clearwater Basin. This afternoon, winds will nudge areas of thick smoke from the West Central Mountains into the East Central Mountains. Limited dispersion can be expected across South Idaho, while this area of patchy smoke moves into the Upper Snake River Plain. More clearing will be seen for North Idaho this evening as winds will push the thin smoke and haze southward. Overnight, thick smoke and haze will linger over the Central Mountains with areas of patchy to thick smoke for the Treasure Valley. Easterly winds will increase in the morning and provide intermittent clearing across the Snake River Plain.

HRRR-NCEP Near Surface Smoke model initialized at 6 a.m. MDT August 8, 2024 shows areas of smoke and haze from local fires in the Central Mountains extending eastward. Patchy smoke and haze are seen over South Idaho and portions of East Idaho. Light smoke and haze are seen in North Idaho.

Air Quality Advisory in Southern Idaho

 

Smoky and hazy just about everywhere

Today’s air quality is forecast to be in the Good to Moderate range. Areas near regional and local fires may experience brief periods of Unhealthy.

Currently, patchy smoke and haze are seen across portions of southern Idaho, the Central Mountains, and North Idaho. Later this afternoon, the smoke and haze will drift into southern and eastern Idaho, the southern portions of the Central Mountains, the Idaho Panhandle, and the Clearwater Basin. Overnight, smoke and haze will flow into eastern Idaho. As surface temperatures and winds increase tomorrow morning, limited dispersion will help clear the remaining patchy smoke and haze.

NOAA GOES-West GeoColor (true color) visible satellite image captured at 9:21 a.m. MDT on August 7, 2024, shows patchy smoke and haze over the Central Mountains, southern and eastern Idaho, and North Idaho. The thickest smoke is seen over northern California and southwestern Oregon.

New fire starts after thunderstorms yesterday

Today’s air quality is forecast to be in the Good to Moderate range with brief periods of Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups near regional and local fires.

Patchy smoke and haze are currently seen across portions of the Treasure Valley, the Central Mountains, and North Idaho. Forecast models differ on the predicted concentrations of near surface smoke, as new fires ignited overnight in the region because of thunderstorms. Later this afternoon, westerly winds will nudge patchy smoke and haze into South Idaho and West Central Mountains from the northern California and Oregon fires. Likewise, patchy smoke and haze will drift into the Idaho Panhandle from the Washington and British Columbia fires and linger through the morning. Overnight the patchy smoke and haze over South Idaho will slowly wane while continuing to flow into East Idaho. As the surface temperatures increase tomorrow morning along with winds, limited dispersion will help clear out the remaining patchy smoke and haze.

RAP-NCEP Near Surface Smoke initialized at 9 p.m. MDT August 5, 2024 shows light to patchy smoke and haze across the state. Afternoon winds will push patchy smoke and haze into South Idaho, the Central Mountains, and the Idaho Panhandle this afternoon.

Some dispersion today followed by patchy smoke and haze tomorrow

Today’s air quality is forecast to be in the Good to Moderate range with brief periods of Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups near regional and local fires.

Currently, patchy smoke and haze are seen across portions of the Snake River Plains and the Central Mountains. Light smoke and haze are visible in North and East Idaho. Later this afternoon, southerly winds will help disperse near surface smoke and haze across South Idaho, East Idaho and the Central Mountains. This dispersion will continue for North Idaho in the late evening. Tomorrow morning, more patchy smoke and haze will travel into the Idaho Panhandle from Washington and Canada while patchy smoke will move in the Central Mountains and the Treasure Valley from Oregon.

HRRR-NCEP Near Surface Smoke initialized at 6am MDT August 5, 2024 shows light to patchy smoke and haze across the state.

Smoke and haze to remain over the weekend

Today’s air quality is forecast to be in the Good to Moderate range with brief periods of Unhealthy for Sensitive Group near regional and local fires.

Currently, patchy smoke and haze are seen across portions of the Snake River Plains and the Central Mountains. Light smoke and haze are visible in North and East Idaho. Later this afternoon, the near surface smoke and haze will begin to thicken across most of the state before clearing takes place Saturday morning when surface temperature inversions break. Saturday afternoon, more patchy smoke and haze will move into the Idaho Panhandle from Washington. 

The calm conditions associated with the ridge will allow smoke and haze to remain over the state through the weekend. As temperatures decrease over night, lingering smoke can become trapped under surface temperature inversions and raise local AQI levels until inversions break in the late mornings, offering limited clearing.

HRRR-NCEP Near Surface Smoke initialized 12Z at 6am MDT August 2, 2024 shows patchy smoke and haze over South Idaho, East Idaho, and the Central Mountains. Smoke from the Park Fire will continue to drift north into Oregon and Idaho. 

Light smoke and haze over most of the state this afternoon

Today’s air quality is forecast to be in the Good to Moderate range, while areas around regional and local fires may experience brief periods of Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups.

Currently, patchy smoke and haze are seen across portions of the Snake River Plains and the Central Mountains. Light smoke and haze are visible in North and East Idaho. Southerly winds are nudging smoke from the Park Fire in northern California into Oregon and South Idaho. By late afternoon, light smoke and haze will move over most of the state. The calm conditions associated with the ridge will allow more smoke and haze to loiter over the state overnight and for the subsequent days. As temperatures decrease overnight, lingering smoke can become trapped under surface temperature inversions and raise local AQI levels until inversions break in the late mornings, offering limited clearing.

HRRR-NCEP Near Surface Smoke initialized at 6am MDT August 1, 2024 shows patchy smoke and haze over South Idaho, East Idaho, and the Central Mountains. Eventually most of the state will see light smoke and haze by the evening with areas of smoke near local fires.

EPA Lifts the Fort Hall Reservation Air Quality Advisory

As of July 31, air quality on the Fort Hall Reservation has improved and in coordination with the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) lifted its air quality advisory for the reservation effective immediately.   

Restrictions on open burning due to fire danger by Reservation officials or any federal agencies remain in place. Before burning always check with your local fire department or appropriate tribal agency.      

To check conditions in your area, visit the EPA AirNow website.  For a list of current burn bans on tribal lands, call the EPA Federal Air Rules for Reservations Hotline at 1-800-424-4372, or visit  the FARR website.  For smoke and fire information in Idaho visit Idaho Smoke Information. 

Light smoke and haze may linger

Today’s air quality is forecast to be in the Good to Moderate range, though areas near local fires could experience brief periods of Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups.

Currently, patchy smoke and haze are seen across portions of the Snake River Plains and the Central Mountains. Light smoke and haze are visible in North Idaho. The winds from the past few days have allowed for clearing to occur for most of the state. As winds become more southerly, smoke will begin to move back into the region from northern California fires tomorrow morning, mainly in eastern Oregon and along the southern Idaho border. Light smoke and haze will linger across South Idaho, East Idaho, and the Central Mountains with areas of smoke near local fires. As temperatures decrease overnight, lingering smoke can become trapped under surface temperature inversions and raise local AQI levels until the inversions break in late morning, offering limited clearing.

HRRR-NCEP Near Surface Smoke initialized at 6am MDT July 31, 2024 shows patchy smoke and haze over South Idaho, East Idaho, and the Central Mountains.

Air Quality Advisory Lifted for the Nez Perce Reservation

 

Some clearing today

Today’s air quality is forecast to be Good to Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups.

Currently, patchy smoke and haze are seen across South Idaho, East Idaho, and the Central Mountains. Light smoke and haze are visible in North Idaho.  The westerly afternoon winds and potential thunderstorms will continue to help disperse near surface smoke and haze. The wind will further nudge the smoke and haze eastward and into Montana, Wyoming, and Utah. Light smoke and haze will linger across South Idaho, East Idaho, and the Central Mountains with areas of smoke near local fires tomorrow afternoon. As temperatures decrease overnight, lingering smoke can become trapped under surface temperature inversions and raise local AQI levels until inversions break in the late morning, offering limited clearing.  The highest AQI levels will be seen around the regional and local fires.

HRRR-NCEP Near Surface Smoke initialized at 6am MDT July 30, 2024 shows patchy smoke and haze over South Idaho, East Idaho, and the Central Mountains. Localized smoke is seen blowing east from regional fires.

Air Quality Advisory Remains in Effect for the Nez Perce Reservation

 

Light smoke and haze all over - several counties with Air Quality Advisory in effect

Today’s air quality is forecast to be in the Moderate to Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups range for most of the state. The Treasure Valley and Clearwater Basin could see brief periods of Unhealthy.

Smoke from California, western Montana, Central Washington, Oregon, and local fires are impacting Idaho. Patchy smoke and haze are seen across South Idaho, East Idaho and the Central Mountains, while light smoke and haze are seen in North Idaho. The westerly afternoon winds and potential thunderstorms will help disperse near surface smoke and haze. The wind will continue to nudge the smoke and haze eastward and into Montana, Wyoming, and Utah while light smoke and haze will linger across South Idaho, East Idaho, and the Central Mountains with areas of smoke near local fires tomorrow afternoon. The pattern of smoke becoming trapped under inversions during the evenings and raising the AQI before limited clearing the next mornings will continue.

Check the Idaho Open Burn Map to see if your location has an Air Quality Advisory in effect. 

HRRR-NCEP Near Surface Smoke initialized at 6am MDT July 29, 2024 shows patchy smoke and haze over South Idaho, East Idaho, and the Central Mountains with light smoke and haze over North Idaho.

EPA Issues Air Quality Advisory on Fort Hall Reservation

(Seattle—Friday, July 26, 2024) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 10, in coordination with the Shoshone Bannock Tribes of the Fort Hall Reservation, has issued an air quality advisory on the Fort Hall Reservation due to the elevated pollution levels caused by regional fires. Weather forecasts indicate poor air quality will continue at least through the weekend into Monday. This advisory is in effect until further notice.

Large fires in Oregon and California will be contributing smoke to Fort Hall.

 

To keep levels of smoke as low as possible indoors, create a clean room. A clean room may be most helpful for people who are at greater risk from the effects of smoke such as people with heart disease or lung disease, older adults, children, and pregnant people. 

 

These sensitive groups should avoid outdoor exercise and minimize exposure to outdoor pollution as much as possible. As pollution levels increase, the EPA recommends that residents restrict activity and use N95 masks. 

  

To check current conditions, go to https://fire.airnow.gov/.  For current burn ban or advisories on tribal lands, please call the EPA FARR Hotline at 1-800-424-4372, or visit  https://www.epa.gov/farr/burn-bans-indian-reservations-id-or-and-wa#current-bans. For burning restrictions in areas outside reservation boundaries, please contact your local clean air agency or fire department. For smoke and fire information in Idaho visit http://idsmoke.blogspot.com/