The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality has issued an air quality advisory for four north-central Idaho counties due to degraded conditions from wildfire smoke, effective through at least August 12.
The advisory covers Clearwater, Idaho, Latah, Lewis, and Nez Perce counties outside the boundaries of the Nez Perce Reservation. Air quality forecasts indicate conditions will remain unhealthy for sensitive groups through the advisory period, with fine particulate matter (PM2.5) identified as the primary pollutant of concern.
Who Is Most at Risk
Children, older adults, and individuals with respiratory or heart conditions face heightened health risks during periods of elevated smoke. People who are sensitive to air pollution should also take precautions during the advisory. The DEQ recommends that residents limit prolonged or heavy outdoor activity when smoke levels are elevated in their area.
Individuals experiencing symptoms such as coughing, difficulty breathing, or chest pain should reduce outdoor exposure and consult a healthcare provider if symptoms persist or worsen.
Burning Restrictions in Effect
Under Idaho air quality regulations, open burning is prohibited during the advisory period. Residents should refrain from outdoor burning activities, including recreational fires and yard debris burning, until air quality conditions improve and the advisory is lifted.
The restriction applies across all four affected counties and is part of a broader effort to prevent additional air pollutants from entering the atmosphere while wildfire smoke continues to degrade regional air quality.
Getting More Information
Residents seeking additional information about the air quality advisory or current conditions in their area can contact the DEQ Lewiston regional office at 208-799-4370. The office can provide updates on when the advisory may be lifted and offer guidance on protective measures specific to individual locations within the affected counties.
The advisory issued August 10 reflects ongoing wildfire activity across the Pacific Northwest, which continues to impact air quality throughout the region. Smoke from distant wildfires can travel hundreds of miles and significantly affect local conditions, particularly in valleys and lower-elevation areas where smoke can become trapped.
Residents should monitor local news and DEQ updates for changes to the advisory status. As weather patterns shift or fire conditions improve, the advisory may be modified or lifted sooner than currently forecast. Those with questions about whether their specific location within the four-county area is affected should verify their address directly with the DEQ office.