DEQ issues statewide alert due to wildfire smoke impacts

Due to widespread wildfire smoke impacts, the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has issued an Air Quality Forecast and Caution to notify residents of the state of Idaho outside of reservation boundaries of degraded air quality.

Air quality is currently within the moderate to very unhealthy categories and is forecast to remain that way over the next several days. The pollutant of concern is Fine Particulate Matter (PM2.5).

This photo shared by Monty Morton shows the smoky conditions at Dent Bridge.

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

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).

For more information, contact the nearest DEQ Regional Office at www.deq.idaho.gov/regional-offices-issues. For real-time air monitoring information, visit DEQ's web site at airquality.deq.idaho.gov.

For more information about wildfire smoke, visit Idaho's Smoke Blog at idsmoke.blogspot.com.