Air quality conditions improve

The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality has lifted its stage one air quality advisory for Pocatello, Chubbuck, Bannock, and Franklin Counties. According to the department, air quality models are still showing smoke and associated haze over the Snake River Plain. The smoke in and around Pocatello is primarily coming from the Powerline fire in Arbon Valley. Air quality is expected to fluctuate between the “moderate” category and “unhealthy for certain groups” category for the foreseeable future. Bannock County commissioners have banned all open burning for fire safety until further notice. Open burning restrictions in Franklin County have been lifted.