Air quality warnings continue for Pocatello area

A Stage 1 air quality forecast and caution continues for Pocatello and Chubbuck Monday.

According to the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality, as of 8 a.m. Monday, air quality for the past 24 hours was “unhealthy for sensitive groups”.

Under that designation, members of sensitive groups might experience health effects, but the general public is not likely to be affected.

Air quality models indicate smoke and associated haze from wildfire throughout the Snake River Plain. Smoke, in and around the Pocatello area is primarily coming from the Arbon Valley-Power Line fire.

Air quality is expected to fluctuate between unhealthy for sensitive groups category and the unhealthy category.

All outdoor open burning is prohibited and will remain in effect until air quality has improved. In addition, Bannock County Commissioners have banned all open burning until further notice.