The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality has issued an Air Quality Advisory for all five north central Idaho counties, including the Nez Perce Reservation.
Clearwater, Idaho, Lewis, Nez Perce and Latah counties are expected to continue to see stagnant weather conditions. 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/Nez Perce County burn permits will be approved while the advisory remains in effect.
Air quality is currently in the “Moderate” to “Unhealthy” categories of the Air Quality Index (AQI). Those who experience greater health effects from smoke include children under the age of 18, the elderly, pregnant women, people with asthma or who have difficulty breathing, those with diabetes, heart problems or otherwise compromised health, and people who have high exposure (those who work, exercise, or spend extensive time outdoors). Under the most severe pollution levels, sensitive groups should avoid outdoor exposure and limit indoor activities, and everyone should restrict their outdoor activities.
