Department of
Environmental Quality

Current Wildfire Smoke Info

DEQ has stopped issuing daily smoke forecasts due to reduced wildfire activity and improved air quality throughout the state.

DEQ will start issuing daily smoke forecasts again if wildfire activity increases. Read more on the Idaho Smoke Information Blog

Air Quality Advisories

There are none at this time.

Monitoring

The U.S. Forest Service installed monitors near Stanley and Lowman. The information can be found here. DEQ has also installed temporary monitors in Fairfield and Boise.

• Stanley monitor is Stanley-Idaho 75
• Lowman monitor is Lowman-Jolene Drive
• Garden Valley monitor is Garden Valley-Babcock Lane
• Fairfield monitor is Fairfield-Soldier Road
• Boise monitor is Garden City-Alworth Street

Map of DEQ air quality monitors

For air quality forecasts and wildfire activity for your area, visit the following websites:

• Daily Air Quality Reports and Forecasts webpage
• Real-Time Smoke Monitoring
• DEQ Near-Real Time Monitoring
• Inciweb - Information on wildfire activity

Please be aware of and utilize the Smoke Complaint Hotline at 1-800-345-1007.

Smoke forecasts are dependent on predicted fire growth and weather. If conditions change unexpectedly, impacts could occur.

Air Quality Conditions

Under Idaho’s Air Pollution Emergency Rule, DEQ may issue air quality alerts when pollutant levels reach levels that endanger public health. The alerts range from Stage 1 to 4, with each stage addressing a progressively more serious air quality event and triggering certain emergency actions.

Note: Idaho DEQ does not have jurisdiction within the five Indian Reservations in Idaho. For air quality information on the reservations, contact the individual Tribes.

• Map of reservation boundaries in Idaho

Visual Smoke Observation

Smoke forecasts are dependent on predicted fire growth and weather. If conditions change unexpectedly, impacts could occur. When visibility starts to go below 5 miles, sensitive groups should minimize outdoor activities. Everyone else should minimize prolonged or physical activity outdoors. Refer to the Smoke and Health Tab on the Idaho Smoke Information Blog for additional health information.

Your eyes are your best tools to determine if it’s safe to be outside. Even if you smell smoke, the air quality may still be good.

How to estimate air quality based on visibility for areas without an air quality monitor or airport visibility estimate:

1. Face away from the sun.
2. Determine the limit of your visible range by looking for targets at known distances (miles).
3. Visible range is that point at which even high contrast objects totally disappear.
4. Use the values above to determine the local forest fire smoke category.

Health Impacts and Recommendations

Air Quality Guide for Pollution from Wildfire Smoke
A table identifying potential health effects and recommendations for appropriate exertion levels.

Recommendations for Schools and Others Responsible for Children during a Wildfire Smoke Event
A table identifying potential health effects and recommendations for childrens' exertion levels.

Wildfire Smoke: A Guide for Public Health Officials
A guide intended to help local public health officials adequately communicate health risks and precautions to the public when smoke is present.

Emergency Preparedness and Response: Wildfires
(Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Website)
Information on health effects of smoke as well as other dangers associated with wildfires.

For general health questions regarding wildfire smoke, contact:
Jim Vannoy, MPH
Program Manager
Idaho Division of Public Health
Environmental Health Education and Assessment Program
(208) 334-4964