DEQ lifts North Idaho burn ban as air quality improves

Idaho Department of Environmental Quality said Monday a burn ban has been lifted and air quality is improving in North Idaho. However, that could change.

DEQ said that wildfire smoke has dispersed, but stagnant conditions will persist through the work week.

"The high pressure system over the area will continue to strengthen and bring dry and mainly clear conditions," DEQ said in a press release. "Smoke from wildfires around the western U.S. can move into the area and degrade air quality."

Anyone planning open burning should check with their local fire district first. Several districts still have fire safety burn bans in place.

Air quality is forecast to be in the good range for most of North Idaho today, DEQ said.

On Friday, it was moderate in Kootenai County and the Silver Valley. It was "unhealthy for sensitive groups" in St. Maries.

Smoke from Eastern Washington wildfires will continue to affect communities near the fires over the next several days. Some light southwesterly winds will develop today, but they may not be strong enough to blow air pollution away.