Wildfire smoke blankets Boise, putting air quality into ‘unhealthy’ category
The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality issued an unhealthy air quality warning for Tuesday because of all of the wildfire smoke in the Treasure Valley.
“Elevated smoke impacts from regional wildfire activity are expected to continue causing degradation in air quality,” according to the DEQ. “Moderate to heavy smoke impacts are expected to continue throughout the area.”
Hourly air quality values may range from the “moderate,” or yellow, to “very unhealthy,” or purple. Conditions on Monday actually improved slightly from Sunday due to a shift in weather, but elevated smoke impacts are expected to continue throughout the week, according to Idaho DEQ.
Both incorporated and unincorporated Canyon and Ada counties have burn bans in place and woodstove/fireplace bans.
The Idaho DEQ encourages residents to reduce pollution during this time by limiting driving, combining needed trips and stopping any burning outdoors.
For more information about air quality and local burning ordinances, visit the DEQ’s website.
This story was originally published September 14, 2020 at 4:18 PM.
