Idaho Smoke Information

Thursday, August 3, 2017

DEQ has issued an Air Quality Forecast & Caution for the Southwest Idaho Area

Air Quality Forecast &Caution Issued

Date/Time Issued: Thursday, August 3, 2017/9:00 a.m.

Next Update: Friday, August 4, 2017/3:00 p.m.

The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has issued an Air Quality Forecast and Caution to notify residents of Ada, Canyon, and Elmore County of degraded air quality. Due to a stagnant atmosphere and elevated pollutant levels, BURNING RESTRICTIONS ARE IN EFFECT. Air quality is currently in the UNHEALTHY FOR SENSITIVE GROUPS* category and is forecast to experience similar impacts over the next few days. The pollutants of concern are Fine Particulate Matter (PM2.5) and Ozone.

Woodstove Burning Restrictions

Residential wood burning activities are restricted.

Outdoor Burning Restrictions

All outdoor open burning is prohibited by the Department of Environmental Quality Rules for

the Control of Air Pollution in Idaho (IDAPA 58.01.01.550).

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.

Contact

For more information, contact DEQ’s Regional Office in Boise at (208) 373-0550.

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

Wednesday, August 2, 2017

Potential Smoke Impacts for Latah, Nez Perce, Lewis, Clearwater, and Idaho counties

If you live in Latah, Nez Perce, Lewis, Clearwater, and Idaho counties, river corridors and surrounding areas (off the Nez Perce Reservation), there’s a potential for patches of wildfire smoke to enter your area tonight and tomorrow. Air quality is currently in the Good to Moderate category, but conditions could change based on fire activity and winds. Sensitive groups should limit prolonged or heavy exertion and limit time spend outdoors. Find your local air quality reports and forecasts, real-time conditions, an outdoor open burning map, and more here: http://www.deq.idaho.gov/air-quality/monitoring/daily-reports-and-forecasts/

Additional information for health recommendations, air quality, and wildfire can be found on the Idaho Smoke Information Blog at http://idsmoke.blogspot.com/. Please see the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare links under the Smoke and Health tab on the blog for additional health recommendations for sensitive groups, communities, schools and daycare facilities.

Smoke impacts and complaints can be reported to our Smoke Information Hotline at (800)-345-1007. For additional questions or concerns, please call (855) 401-4636 or the DEQ Lewiston Regional Office at (877) 541-3304 or (208) 799-4370.

Wednesday, August 2, 2017; 1:30 PM

Wildfire Smoke May Impact Communities on the Nez Perce Reservation

Description of Air Quality Event:

Wildfire smoke from regional wildfires may impact communities on the Nez Perce Reservation. Depending on fire activity and wind, wildfire smoke may move in and out of the area during the day and overnight for the next few days.

Affected Areas:

All areas on the Nez Perce Reservation.

Air Quality Index (AQI) Category:

Air quality is currently ranging from “Good” to “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” categories of the Air Quality Index. Currently, communities along the Clearwater River Corridor between Orofino and Kooskia and on the Camas Prairie range from “Moderate” to “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups.”

Local air quality may improve and worsen as smoke moves in and out of communities. Some areas may be more impacted than others, so please take appropriate precautions. For AQI health-related information, visit www.airnow.gov/index.cfm?action=aqibasics.aqi.

Idaho Department of Health and Welfare: Wildfire Smoke and Your Health

Idaho Smoke Information Hotline: 1-800-345-1007