Wildfire smoke is forecast to keep Treasure Valley air quality in the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups range on Aug. 1, with an Air Quality Index of 135, according to the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality.
An air-quality advisory is in effect in Ada County, which includes Boise. Outdoor burning is prohibited in counties covered by the advisory.
Three-day forecast remains in unhealthy range for sensitive groups
DEQ’s Treasure Valley forecast, last updated July 31, projects the same Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups category for Aug. 2 and Aug. 3. The forecast AQI is 125 for Aug. 2 and 105 for Aug. 3.
The agency attributes the Aug. 1 forecast to continued wildfire-smoke impacts. It does not identify a single fire as the smoke source.
Guidance for sensitive groups
At this forecast level, DEQ advises people with heart or lung disease, children and older adults to reduce prolonged or heavy outdoor exertion.
The AQI forecast is regional, and conditions can vary by neighborhood and time of day.
Burning restrictions
DEQ’s forecast lists mandatory restrictions on residential wood heating and outdoor burning. Its advisory map states that outdoor burning is prohibited in Ada County while the advisory is in effect.
Sources
- Treasure Valley 3-Day Air Quality Forecast, Idaho Department of Environmental Quality
- Air Quality Advisory and Outdoor Open Burning Restrictions and Recommendations, Idaho Department of Environmental Quality
Leave a Reply