DEQ issues air quality advisory

SANDPOINT — Widespread smoke and haze will be prominent features of the local forecast for the week ahead, according to the National Weather Service in Spokane.

Idaho Department of Environmental Quality in Coeur d’Alene issued an air quality alert for Bonner, Boundary, Kootenai, Shoshone, Benewah, Latah, Lewis and Nez Perce counties. It remains in effect until Wednesday.

The Washington Department of Ecology in Spokane, meanwhile, issued a similar alert for 13 counties, including Pend Oreille.

“Air quality is only expected to get worse as wind shifts bring in smoke from British Columbia and Montana fires, in addition to smoke from the Washington and Oregon Cascades. Areas close to fires could see air quality levels reach Unhealthy or worse while the remainder of the area will likely see effects from wildfire smoke getting worse as well,” the air quality alert said.

Children, the elderly and individuals with respiratory illnesses are most at risk of serious health effects. Those who experience respiratory distress should speak with their physician, according to the alert.

DEQ’s smoke report indicates that the air quality is forecast to continue to remain in the Good to Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups air quality category for the 24 hour Air Quality Index across the state today.

“Most recent monitor observations are currently reading in the Good to Moderate. Areas currently being impacted are across the Panhandle and south to the Clearwater drainages. Ambient, lofted regional smoke is currently interspersed across southwest and southern Idaho and at times will impact the surface levels,” DEQ’s report said.

The Bonner County Sheriff’s Office issued an alert Monday advising residents that the smoke in the area is from Montana, Washington and Canadian fires and that there were no new reported fires in the immediate area.

Information: http://idsmoke.blogspot.com/