DEQ Issues Air Quality Forecast and Caution for Five South Central Idaho Counties

Air Quality Forecast and Caution - Issued

Date/Time Issued: Saturday, August 05, 2017/7:00    p.m.

Next Update: Monday, August 07, 2017/1:00 p.m.

The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has issued an Air Quality Forecast and Caution to notify residents of Gooding, Lincoln, Jerome, Twin Falls, Minidoka, and Cassia Counties of degraded air quality.  Due to wildfire smoke, BURNING RESTRICTIONS ARE IN EFFECT.  Air quality is currently in the UNHEALTHY FOR SENSITIVE GROUPS* category and is forecast to be in the Moderate to Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups. Note: air quality is likely to change drastically with slight changes in fire behavior and weather conditions. 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 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 Twin Falls at (208) 736-2190.

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.

 

 

 

If you are experiencing smoky conditions now expect it to continue and plan accordingly.

Some minor improvements in air quality can be expected during the daytime hours but in the evening expect conditions to worsen. Don’t expect air quality to improve much over the long term. If you are experiencing smoky conditions now expect this to continue and plan accordingly. Unless there is a change to the weather that isnt expected there does not appear that there will be much relief from the smoke for several days out. Be proactive and protect yourself from the smoke as much as you can.

Be Alert! Your eyes are your best tools to determine if it’s safe to be outside during smokey conditions

Smoke forecasts are dependent on predicted fire growth and weather. If conditions change unexpectedly, impacts could occur. When visibility starts to go below 5 miles, sensitive groups should minimize outdoor activities. Everyone else should minimize prolonged or physical activity outdoors. Refer to the Smoke and Health Tab on the Idaho Smoke Information Blog for additional health information.

Your eyes are your best tools to determine if it’s safe to be outside. Even if you smell smoke, the air quality may still be good.

Visibility Range (in miles)	Health Category
11+	Good
6-10	Moderate
3-5	Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups
1.5-2.75	Unhealthy
1-1.25	Very Unhealthy
Less than 1	Hazardous

Wildfire smoke persist through the weekend throughout Idaho. Northern and central Idaho will likely continue to be hit hardest with poor air quality conditions. Some improvements possible in southcentral and southeast Idaho. Fires in Montana, Oregon, and British Columbia remain active and contributing to poor air quality conditions.

Map Problems

Our Smoke map seems to be struggling keeping up with the data flow and traffic. We apologize for any inconvenience and hope this is resolved soon. For current air quality conditions in Idaho visit: http://airquality.deq.idaho.gov/