DEQ offers resources for upcoming wildfire season
A plane drops water on the Trestle Creek Complex fires in mid-July-2021. The fire was one of more than hundreds reported throughout the region, and was one of 10 that required the assistance of an incident management team.
(File photo/DYLAN GREENE)
SANDPOINT — While it may have been a wet and cool spring, Idaho Department of Environmental Quality is expect another active wildfire season — and they want the public to be prepared.
"Wildfire smoke from local and regional fires typically impact Idaho’s air quality from around July to September," Mark Boyle, IDEQ smoke management supervisor, said. "Smoke can be particularly harmful to people with underlying health conditions, pregnant women, children, and older individuals."
Last year was one of the most challenging wildfire seasons for the Department of Lands Forest Protective Districts and Timber Protective Associations, IDL officials aid in June.
IDL crews fought a total of 413 wildfires, including 10 that required incident management teams. While 88% of the fires were held to less than 10 acres, IDL officials said approximately 142,000 total acres of Department of Lands-protected land burned. Of the fires recorded in 2021, 262 were human-caused.
State officials said that moisture received this spring throughout the state made a difference in fire conditions, and eased late-winter concerns about low snowpacks. However, warmer and dryer than average temperatures July through September are still expected and, as a result, larger, problematic fires aren't anticipated until later this month or early August.
To help residents be prepared, DEQ officials compiled information on various resources available to residents to help them make informed decisions about their health.
Wildfire smoke blog
DEQ’s Idaho Smoke Information blog is a daily publication coordinated by DEQ with other state, county, tribal, and federal agencies. The blog offers information about current air quality, fires affecting local air quality, expected smoke impacts, regional air quality advisories, and who to contact for more information.
Real-time air quality map
DEQ’s real-time air quality map provides the latest air quality data from DEQ and Tribal monitors. Each dot on the interactive map represents an active air quality monitor, and the color of each dot corresponds with the current Air Quality Index category based on the latest available data. Learn more on DEQ’s Air Quality Index web page.
Air quality forecasts
The Air Quality Forecasts page provides daily air quality forecasts for certain areas throughout state. DEQ provides the forecasted AQI for three days and identifies the main pollutant of concern.
The page includes burn restrictions, air quality advisories, links to outdoor open burning and real-time air quality maps, and the 10-day AQI trend.
Air quality mobile app
The AIR Idaho app provides current air quality information relative to your location and across the state. It also provides the three-day air quality forecast, open burning restrictions, tips to protect health, and a list of regional and statewide air quality resources.
The app can be downloaded for free at the App Store for iPhone or Google Play.
Additional resources
DEQ encourages the public to sign up for daily email notifications through EPA’s Enviroflash service and follow the department on social media. It regularly posts important health and safety information as well as air quality forecasts and advisories.
You can also monitor wildfire activity in your area and review Idaho Health and Welfare’s community guide for staying healthy during wildfire smoke events.