Burn ban in effect

The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has extended an Air Pollution Forecast and Caution to notify residents of Kootenai, Benewah, Bonner, Boundary and Shoshone Counties outside of tribal boundaries of degraded air quality.

Due to a stagnant atmosphere and elevated pollutant levels health impacts may occur, burning restrictions are in effect.

Air quality is currently in the moderate to unhealthy for sensitive groups categories and is forecast to remain elevated for the next 24 to 48 hours. Sensitive groups include those with heart and lung disease, older adults, and children.

The pollutant of concern is Fine Particulate Matter (PM2.5).

Health Impacts and Recommended Actions: When air quality is unhealthy for sensitive groups, sensitive persons may experience health effects and should limit prolonged or heavy exertion and limit time spent outdoors. The general public is unlikely to be affected.

Woodstove Burning Restrictions: Voluntary burn ban for residential wood burning activities.

Outdoor Burning Restrictions: All outdoor open burning is prohibited by the Department of Environmental Quality in accordance with the Rules for the Control of Air Pollution in Idaho (IDAPA 58.01.01.550).