LEWISTON, ID – The Inland Northwest’s recent heatwave will intensify today, and the National Weather Service says it will remain hot throughout the week. Dry thunderstorms are forecasted for tomorrow, elevating fire weather concerns.
Fires in southeast Washington and north-central Idaho have caused air quality concerns. The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality and Nez Perce Tribe have issued Air Quality Advisories.
“Wildfire smoke may move in and out of the area depending on fire and wind activity; some areas may be more impacted than others. No EPA/NPT burn permits will be approved,” the Tribe says in a press release. These actions will remain effective until tomorrow at 10:00 a.m.
Today’s air quality in the Lewis-Clark Valley is in the “unhealthy” category.
“Some members of the general public may experience health effects; members of sensitive groups may experience more serious health effects,” DEQ says.
For tomorrow and Thursday, the air quality forecast is “unhealthy for sensitive groups.”
“Members of sensitive groups may experience health effects. The general public is less likely to be affected,” according to DEQ.
“Those who experience greater health effects from smoke include children under 18, elders, pregnant women, people with asthma or have difficulty breathing, diabetes, heart problems or otherwise compromised health, and people who have high exposure (those who work, exercise, or spend extensive time outdoors),” the Tribe says. “Under the most severe pollution levels, sensitive groups should avoid outdoor exposure and limit indoor activities, and everyone should restrict their outdoor activities.”
For more information, visit the AirNow Fire and Smoke Map or the Idaho Smoke Blog. Follow AQI health recommendations and review AQI Basics.
The Texas Fire, located east of Kendrick, is approximately 1,200 acres and was reported at around 3:45 p.m. yesterday afternoon. The Cougar Creek Fire, which is burning approximately 26 miles southwest of Clarkston, grew to 520 acres overnight and was reported at 6:30 p.m. yesterday.
Asotin County firefighters were dispatched to a fire on Silcott Grade Road about five miles west of Clarkston just after 3:00 a.m. this morning.
