The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality has issued a rare statewide air quality advisory, with smoke from wildfires pushing air quality into at least the moderate to unhealthy range everywhere in the state, and in some areas near the north-central Idaho wildfires, into the “very unhealthy” range. The last statewide air quality advisory was issued in September of 2012.

Under the advisory, all open burning is prohibited, including campfires, recreational fires, weed control burning, and residential burning. “We’re just trying to get the message out that it’s not a good day for adding to the smoke that’s already out there,” said Morrie Lewis, smoke management program coordinator for the DEQ. “We don’t have much control over smoke from wildfires, but there are things that we can do to help – don’t burn under these conditions, limit your emissions if possible by limiting driving and postponing yardwork activities and outdoor activities if possible, and just know yourself, know your health, if you’re in a sensitive group , older adults, young children, those with medical conditions, that are more sensitive to poor air quality, stay indoors, seek medical attention if necessary, and if you’re not sure, call your doctor.”

Air quality in Boise currently ranks as unhealthy for sensitive groups. The restrictions under the advisory don’t apply on Indian reservations or to fire suppression activities.

Air quality statewide is forecast to remain in the moderate to unhealthy categories for the next 24 to 36 hours. The DEQ has a wildfire smoke info page here, and a guide to health impacts of various pollution levels here; the state Department of Health & Welfare has health tips here.