Air quality warning issued for Salmon area

The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality has issued an air quality warning for Salmon and the surrounding area because of degraded air quality.

The DEQ says because of stagnant air conditions and pollutants in the air, air quality is now considered unhealthy for sensitive groups. That includes anyone with heart and lung disease, elderly, and young children. Those in the group are recommended to avoid outdoor activity as much as possible for the duration of the warning.

For the duration of the warning in the area burning restrictions are in effect. The burning restriction prohibits all outdoor burning but doesn’t apply to wood burning stoves for the heating of homes.

The warning will be in effect until at least January 3, 2017, when conditions are reevaluated.