Department of
Environmental Quality

Air Quality Conditions

Under Idaho’s Air Pollution Emergency Rule, DEQ may issue air quality alerts when pollutant levels reach levels that endanger public health. The alerts range from Stage 1 to 4, with each stage addressing a progressively more serious air quality event and triggering certain emergency actions.

Click on links below to access air quality conditions at locations throughout Idaho where monitors are located.

Real-Time Air Monitoring (DEQ Webpage)
Link to real-time data from DEQ's network of monitors throughout the state.

Interagency Real-Time Smoke Monitoring (U.S. Forest Service Website)
Link to real-time data obtained from emergency monitors operated by DEQ for wildfire impacts at Fairfield (ID 1000), Challis (ID 1001), Riggins (ID 1004), and Mountain Home (ID 1002).

Western Regional Climate Center Link to real-time data obtained from emergency monitors operated by USFS for wildfire impacts at North Fork (Smoke #25).

Visibility at Hailey, Friedman Memorial Airport (MesoWest Website)
Click on Visibility link.

Visual Smoke Observation

Because wildfire smoke is highly visible, it is possible to visually estimate smoke levels and estimate potential health impacts. Generally, the worse the visibility, the worse the smoke. Refer to the table below to estimate air quality based on visibility.

How to estimate air quality based on visibility for areas without an air quality monitor or airport visibility estimate:

1. Face away from the sun.
2. Determine the limit of your visible range by looking for targets at known distances (miles).
3. Visible range is that point at which even high contrast objects totally disappear.
4. Use the values above to determine the local forest fire smoke category.

Health Impacts and Recommendations

Air Quality Guide for Pollution from Wildfire Smoke
A table identifying potential health effects and recommendations for appropriate exertion levels.

Recommendations for Schools and Others Responsible for Children during a Wildfire Smoke Event
A table identifying potential health effects and recommendations for childrens' exertion levels.

Wildfire Smoke: A Guide for Public Health Officials (Revised July 2008)
A guide intended to help local public health officials adequately communicate health risks and precautions to the public when smoke is present.

Emergency Preparedness and Response: Wildfires
(Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Website)
Information on health effects of smoke as well as other dangers associated with wildfires.

For general health questions regarding wildfire smoke, contact:
Jim Vannoy, MPH
Program Manager
Idaho Division of Public Health
Environmental Health Education and Assessment Program
(208) 334-4964