DEQ lifts advisory for unhealthy air quality and outdoor burn ban

UPDATE 8/27/18: The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has lifted the Air Quality Advisory and Stage 1 Air Quality Forecast and Caution for Bannock, Bear Lake, Bingham, Bonneville, Butte, Caribou, Clark, Franklin, Fremont, Jefferson, Madison, Power, Oneida and Teton counties because of improved air quality.

Burning restrictions are also being lifted.

The air quality is currently in the good category.

UPDATE 8/24/18: The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is extending the air pollution forecast and caution for Bannock, Bear Lake, Bingham, Bonneville, Butte, Caribou, Clark, Franklin, Fremont, Jefferson, Madison, Power, Oneida and Teton counties due to degraded air quality.

The current air quality is in the Unhealthy to Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups categories for much of the region and is expected to fluctuate between the two categories throughout the weekend.

Burning restrictions are still in effect. All open burning, including campfires, is prohibited on both public and private grounds.

DEQ officials expect significant improvements over the weekend.

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UPDATE 8/23/18: The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is extending the air pollution forecast and caution for Bonneville, Butte, Jefferson, Madison, Clark, Fremont and Teton counties.

Bannock, Bingham, Power and Oneida counties have been added to the list.

DEQ says the air quality has improved overnight but is expected to deteriorate as weather conditions move smoke into the area.

Burning restrictions are still in effect. All open burning, including campfires, is prohibited on both public and private grounds.

Air quality is currently in the Moderate category and is forecast to range from Moderate to Unhealthy.

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ORIGINAL 8/22/18: The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has issued an Air Quality Advisory and Stage 1 Air Quality Forecast and Caution for Bonneville, Butte, Jefferson, Madison, Clark, Fremont and Teton counties for degraded air quality.

Due to wildfire smoke, burning restrictions are in effect. All open burning, including campfires, is prohibited on both public and private grounds.

Air quality is currently in the unhealthy for sensitive groups category and is forecast to vary from Moderate to Unhealthy.

When air quality is unhealthy, everyone may begin to experience health effects. Members of sensitive groups (those with heart and lung disease, older adults and children) may experience more serious effects & should avoid prolonged/heavy exertion and stay indoors.

Everyone else should limit prolonged/heavy exertion & limit time outdoors.