Air quality caution issued for Salmon area

The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality has extended an air quality caution for the city of Salmon and surrounding area due to degraded air quality until Thursday. The order will be reviewed on January 12. The department said the order was due to a stagnant atmosphere and elevated pollutant levels. Burning restrictions are in effect. Due to fine particulate matter, air quality is currently rated in the “unhealthy” category and is forecast to vary from moderate to unhealthy. The caution initiates a voluntary burn ban for residential wood-burning stoves. All outdoor burning is prohibited. When air quality is unhealthy, everyone may begin to experience health effects. Members of sensitive groups, including those with heart and lung disease, older adults, and children, should avoid prolonged heavy exertion and stay indoors. Everyone else should limit prolonged heavy exertion and limit their time outdoors. IDEQ will re-assess its caution on Tuesday.