Montana warns of unhealthy air quality from wildfire smoke

Clark County Department of Air Quality (DAQ) extended an advisory for today through Friday, August 21, for potentially elevated levels of smoke and ozone due to wildfires burning in the southern Sierra Nevada in California. Anything above 100 raises concerns and is unhealthy for sensitive people, and above 150 is considered unhealthy.

Health officials are urging people to limit time spent outside, avoid exercising and choose non-strenuous indoor activities.

“They’re going to see a lot of haze”.

A youth soccer tournament was cancelled this weekend, and Greater Spokane League schools were expected to suspend practices under the unhealthy conditions.

People with respiratory illnesses should remain indoors when smoke can be seen or smelled outside. People with asthma should follow their asthma management plan.

Such advisories are typically issued for individual counties or cities. Smoke can “unmask‰ or produce symptoms of such diseases”. Humboldt County is expected to declare a state of emergency in the coming days. Drinking plenty of water to avoid drying of the airways is recommended, unless restricted for medical reasons. Breathing through a warm, wet washcloth can also help relieve dryness. If conditions worsen, and it is too hot to keep windows and doors closed, consider leaving the area. Do not use fans or swamp coolers that bring smoky outdoor air inside.

Pocatello is faring better than some of the surrounding areas. Masks can create a false sense of security and should not replace reducing activity or exposure. The smoke contains particulates of soot that can irritate your eyes and your respiratory system.

“The first week of school, you don’t want to have to stay in, you want to get them in that routine of, “It’s a fun year, lets go out for recess” but it’s really to put those rules into effect”.