Wildfire Smoke from Utah and Arizona Leads to Haze in Idaho

Overview

A wildfire burning in Utah and Arizona has spread its smoke across the western United States, even reaching as far as Idaho. The smoke has caused a smoky haze in the skies over Idaho, leading to reduced visibility and air quality concerns. The National Weather Service has issued an air quality alert for parts of Idaho due to the smoke.

Impact on Idaho

The wildfire smoke is impacting Idaho in several ways. First, the smoke is reducing visibility in the air, making it more difficult to see while driving or walking outdoors. Second, the smoke is causing respiratory problems for some people, including those with asthma or other lung conditions. Third, the smoke is also affecting air quality, which can be harmful to people's health.

What to Do

If you are concerned about the wildfire smoke, there are a few things you can do to protect yourself:

• Stay indoors as much as possible.
• Avoid strenuous activity outdoors.
• If you must go outside, wear a mask or respirator to protect your lungs.

Health Effects of Wildfire Smoke

Wildfire smoke can have a range of health effects, including:

• Eye irritation
• Nose and throat irritation
• Coughing
• Wheezing
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Headaches
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea

If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible.

Current Air Quality Conditions

For the latest air quality conditions in Idaho, please visit the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality website: https://deq.idaho.gov/air-quality/

Additional Resources

For more information on wildfire smoke and its health effects, please visit the following websites:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Wildfire Smoke
• Environmental Protection Agency: Wildfire Smoke
• AirNow: Air Quality Index