Unhealthy air quality advisory extended across Idaho - East Idaho News
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Unhealthy air quality advisory extended across Idaho

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IDAHO FALLS — The skies remain covered in smoke across the Gem State Thursday.

As a result, the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality has extended its statewide air quality advisory until Friday at 10 a.m., when conditions will be reevaluated.

Under this advisory, all open burning is prohibited, including campfires, recreational fires, weed control burning, and residential burning. The exception is on lands within Indian reservation boundaries or in relation to activities associated with fire suppression.

“Air quality remains in the Moderate to Very Unhealthy categories throughout most of the state. Expect statewide impacts to continue through Thursday. Friday offers a possibility of relief to the southern Idaho airsheds as the upper level winds shift to the southwest while high concentrations are expected to persist in north Idaho,” DEQ’s Air Quality Meterologist Jacob Wolf said in a news release.

The National Weather Service is encouraging individuals to limit prolonged or strenuous outdoor activity — particularly if people are sensitive to increased particulate or smoke levels.

Pollutants in smoke can cause burning eyes, runny nose and aggravate heart and lung diseases. Officials say to check with your doctor if you have a heart or lung condition.

Daily updates on air quality conditions at various locations in Idaho are available on DEQ’s Air Quality Reports and Forecasts and Current Wildfire Smoke Information webpages.

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