Air Quality Advisories Issued In MT, ID, OR, WA & CA Due To Wildfires

Chris Wallner | Post Tag for FireFire
Gray= Air Quality Advisory. Image: NOAA

Air Quality Advisories have been issued for much of the West, after wildfires have left the area with excessive amounts of smoke in the air. The duration of these advisories vary from state to state, but many of them will be in affect for a while. A relatively dry summer has lead to an outrageous number of wildfires, as there are currently 45 active wildfires in Montana alone. Under this advisory, you are not allowed to openly burn, including campfires, recreational fires, weed control burning, and residential burning. Also, it is not recommended to partake in any outdoor exertion.

Working to contain Montana wildfires. Image: Frank A. Vargo

Current Air Quality Advisories:

Montana Until 9/8/2017

Idaho Until 9/8/2017

Washington Until 9/8/2017

Oregon Until 9/8/2017

California Until 9/8/2017

Railroad fire on 8/29/17.

Montana Air Quality Advisory:

Weather Service Watch Warning Advisory Summary

Air Quality Alert
Relayed by National Weather Service Great Falls MT
900 AM MDT Wed Sep 6 2017

...AIR QUALITY ALERT IN EFFECT...

The Montana Department of Environmental Quality has issued an air
quality alert for Beaverhead, Deer Lodge, Flathead, Granite,
Jefferson, Lake, Lewis and Clark, Lincoln, Madison, Mineral,
Missoula, Pondera, Powell, Ravalli, Sanders, Silver Bow, and Teton
counties in effect until further notice due to wildfire smoke from
fires in Montana and the Pacific Northwest. Little improvement is
expected through Friday with stable air present under a ridge of high
pressure. This alert will be updated again at 900AM 9/7/2017.

An Air Quality Alert means that particulates have been trending
upwards and that an exceedence of the 24 hour National Ambient Air
Quality Standard (NAAQS) has occurred or may occur in the near
future.

As of 900AM, Particulate levels in Arlee, Seeley Lake, and Trout
Creek are Hazardous

As of 900AM, Particulate levels in Clearwater, Columbia Falls,
Eureka, Florence, Lincoln, Lolo, Rainy Lake, and Thompson Falls are
Very Unhealthy

As of 900AM, Particulate levels in Condon, Frenchtown, Hamilton,
Heart Butte, Libby, Missoula, Potomac, Stevensville, and Superior are
Unhealthy

As of 900AM, Particulate levels in Drummond, and Rock Creek are
Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups

As of 900AM, Particulate levels in Butte, Dillon, and Helena are
Moderate

When air quality is Hazardous... State and local health officials
recommend that everyone should avoid any outdoor exertion; people
with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly, and children should
remain indoors.

When air quality is Very Unhealthy... State and local health
officials recommend that people with respiratory or heart disease,
the elderly, and children should avoid any outdoor activity; everyone
else should avoid prolonged exertion.

When air quality is Unhealthy... State and local health officials
recommend that people with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly,
and children should avoid prolonged exertion; everyone else should
limit prolonged exertion.

When air quality is Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups... State and local
health officials recommend that people with respiratory or heart
disease, the elderly and children should limit prolonged exertion.

When air quality is Moderate... State and local health officials
recommend that unusually sensitive people should consider reducing
prolonged or heavy exertion.

For more information visit the Montana Department of Environmental
Quality at http://todaysair.mt.gov

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