DEQ extends statewide air quality advisory

The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has extended a statewide air quality advisory as smoke from wildfires continue to cover the state.

This advisory is in effect until 10 a.m. on Friday, September 8, when conditions will be evaluated again on a county-by-county basis.

This advisory does not apply to lands within Indian reservation boundaries or to activities associated with fire suppression.

“Air quality remains in the Moderate to Very Unhealthy categories throughout most of the state. Expect statewide impacts to continue through Thursday. Friday offers a possibility of relief to the southern Idaho airsheds as the upper level winds shift to the southwest while high concentrations are expected to persist in north Idaho,” DEQ’s Air Quality Meterologist Jacob Wolf said.

Under this advisory, all open burning is prohibited, including campfires, recreational fires, weed control burning and residential burning.