Poor Air Quality in North Idaho Counties

The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) in Coeur d`Alene has issued an Air Pollution Forecast and Caution yesterday to notify residents of Boundary, Bonner, Kootenai, Shoshone, and Benewah Counties of degraded air quality that is unhealthy for sensitive groups.

There are no large fires currently active in Boundary County. The smoke we see is primarily due to a wind shift that is blowing smoke over from the South Yaak Fire near Troy, Montana and the Trestle Creek Complex fires in Bonner County to our south.

Health Impacts and Recommended Actions: When air quality is unhealthy for sensitive groups, the young, the elderly, and those suffering ill health such as heart and lung disease may experience adverse health effects and should limit prolonged or heavy exertion and limit time spent outdoors. The general public is unlikely to be affected.

For real-time air monitoring information, visit DEQ`s website at airquality.deq.idaho.gov.