DEQ extends statewide air quality advisory
Friday, August 21, 2015
BOISE — Continuing smoke impacts from wildfires have prompted the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to extend a statewide air quality advisory over the weekend.
This advisory is in effect until 2:00 pm on Monday, August 24, at which time conditions will be evaluated again on a county‑by‑county basis. This advisory does not apply to lands within Indian reservation boundaries or to activities associated with fire suppression.
“Air quality remains in the Moderate to Unhealthy categories throughout most of the state. Although changing weather may bring intermittent periods of clearing, significant clearing of smoke is not forecast to occur over the next couple of days,” said DEQ’s Smoke Management Program Coordinator Morrie Lewis.
Under this advisory, all open burning is prohibited, including campfires, recreational fires, weed control burning, and residential burning.
Daily updates on air quality conditions at various locations in Idaho are available on DEQ's Air Quality Reports and Forecasts and Current Wildfire Smoke Information webpages. For areas where air quality monitors are not available, the Visibility Range and AQI Table can help determine the necessary precautions to take.
For information on the health effects of exposure to wildfire smoke, visit the Department of Health and Welfare's blog.
DEQ is
Date/Time Issued:
Next Update:
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Health Impacts and Recommended Actions
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When air quality is
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Outdoor Burning Restrictions
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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).
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Contact
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For more information, contact the nearest DEQ Regional Office at www.deq.idaho.gov/regional-offices-issues.
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Air Quality Index (AQI):
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For more information on the AQI, read EPA’s AQI brochure at http://www.epa.gov/airnow/aqi_brochure_02_14.pdf.
* Sensitive groups for particulate matter include those with heart and lung disease, older adults, and children. Sensitive groups for ozone include those with lung disease, older adults, and children.