Haze leads to burn ban, air advisories

SANDPOINT — Despite concerns about the the smoky air, the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality hasn’t yet upgraded Sandpoint’s status.

With sporting events being canceled in Washington and Montana, local athletic organization associates are keeping a close eye on air quality reports. However, DEQ still places Sandpoint’s air quality at the moderate level.

As of 4:26 p.m. on Friday, the department assigned the region an air quality index of 51. For comparison, Treasure Valley currently bears a status of “unhealthy for sensitive groups” and has an air quality index of 115. On DEQ’s scale of air quality, conditions degrade from good to moderate before progressing to unhealthy for sensitive groups, unhealthy, very unhealthy and hazardous.

Similar air quality advisories and Stage One burn bans were in effect in Kootenai, Shoshone, Boundary and Benewah counties.

“Some of it’s a little surprising,” said Mark Boyle with the Department of Environmental Quality, about the wildfires’ pollution. “The lower level winds migrate it up here.”

Sandpoint also has a particulate matter level of 2.5. That means that any particles in the air are 2.5 microns or less in size. As one might expect, these fine particles usually exist when environmental conditions create smoke or haze.

According to the DEQ’s air quality forecast, wildfire smoke still lingers throughout the five northern counties. There are no recommended limitations for short spans of physical activity in moderate conditions, according to government guidelines. However, those with respiratory conditions or other disorders should exhibit some caution when undertaking strenuous or prolonged activities.    

“It’s pretty common sense right now,” Boyle said. “If you are feeling impacts, get a hold of your healthcare provider. Don’t delay.”

The burn ban could have benefits beyond air quality. Glenn Lauper with the Coeur d’Alene Fire Department said there haven’t been any notable fires in the region — yet.

But “historically, October is the month we go into pretty extreme (fire hazard) if we don’t get any moisture,” Lauper said, adding that the district is meeting with organizations about emergency preparedness.

The air quality advisories and the burn ban are in effect through 4:30 p.m.

DEQ expects pollutants to build through the weekend, as low level winds herd the smoke back toward North Idaho and Eastern Washington. Boyle said the wildfire smoke has been lingering in North Idaho since about Sept. 14.

“If you’re susceptible to the pollutants, they’re likely to come and go over the next few days,” Boyle said.