Wildfire smoke prompts continuing Air Quality Advisories, Burn Bans

Smoke from regional wildfires continues to impact areas on and off the Nez Perce Reservation prompting both Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and the Nez Perce Tribe Air Quality Program to issue Air Quality Advisories for Clearwater, Idaho, Lewis, Nez Perce and Latah counties.

Nez Perce Tribe

Wildfire smoke from the Johnson Bar Fire continues to impact communities on the Nez Perce Reservation. The Air Quality Advisory issued on Monday remains in effect. Wildfire smoke may continue to move in and out of the area. Some areas may be more impacted than others, so please take appropriate precautions.

Air Quality is currently in the Unhealthful range for most parts of the reservation. No EPA/NPT burn permits will be approved. This action does not apply to camping and recreational fires or fires set for cultural or traditional purposes (FARR General Rule for Open Burning, Section 49.131).

These restrictions are in effect through 10:00am Friday, Sept. 19. Conditions will be reassessed at that time.

Sensitive groups include infants, children, pregnant women, elders, people who have high exposure (those who work, exercise, or spend extensive time outdoors), and those with existing health conditions or chronic diseases like asthma, emphysema, bronchitis, heart disease, or diabetes.

For further information, check the Idaho Smoke Blog web site at: idsmoke.blogspot.com.

Those who have questions may also contact: Nez Perce Tribe ERWM Air Quality Program 208-843-9381 | 1-800-720-4089 Email: airquality@nezperce.org | web site: www.nezperce.org.

DEQ

Smoke from regional wildfire activity is contributing to elevated air quality concentrations. Air quality is currently in the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups category and is forecasted to remain in the Moderate to Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups category depending on fire activity. Idaho County is currently experiencing Unhealthy conditions; these conditions may be experienced throughout the region depending on fire activity and smoke moving in and out of the region.

An update will be provided at 10 a.m. Friday.

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. Air Quality Advisory information can also be found by calling (855) 401-4636 or the DEQ Lewiston Regional Office at (877) 541-3304 or (208) 799-4370 for additional questions or concerns.