The current air quality across Missoula County is Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups to Unhealthy for Everyone. See current air quality conditions at Fire.AirNow.Gov. Montana DEQ has issued an air quality alert for Missoula County and many other Montana counties.
Active wildfire conditions continue across the region with numerous wildfires burning in Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and Montana. Most of the smoke across Missoula County is from multiple large fires across Oregon. Smoke from those fires is streaming up to us via a steady southwest flow. Locally, the Elder 1 Fire is burning south of Frenchtown and the North Fork Lost Horse Fire is burning Southwest of Hamilton. These fires will have local air quality impacts especially for the communities closest to them; as night falls, smoke will drain down into valleys and pool overnight worsening air quality. You can find more information about active wildfires across the country at InciWeb.
Unfortunately, hot, dry, and windy conditions are forecast to continue this week, and the southwest flow pattern will continue blanketing Missoula County in plumes of smoke. Conditions are likely to worsen overnight, as the smoke settles into the valleys. We may see some daytime improvements as the smoke lifts and mixes out of the valleys as dispersion improves throughout the day. There is a potential pattern change in the forecast for this weekend that could bring cooler temperatures, but unfortunately there is no rain associated with it, and it could also bring stronger winds.
When the Air Quality Index is Red or Unhealthy for Everyone, everyone should shorten and reduce the intensity of any outdoor activities and take steps to limit your smoke exposure. You will likely experience symptoms of short-term exposure to wildfire smoke such as coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, fatigue, respiratory irritation, and congestion, especially since we’ve had smoke in the air for over a week straight.
When air quality is Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups, those most at risk of smoke related symptoms are people with heart or lung disease, older adults (65+), children under the age of 18 (but younger children are at higher risk), pregnant persons, minority populations, outdoor workers, and persons living outdoors. But even if you wouldn’t consider yourself in that list, remember that smoke impacts everyone differently and it’s always smart to reduce your exposure to wildfire smoke when the Air Quality Index reads Orange.
Creating a clean indoor air space is the best way to reduce your exposure to smoke. However, hot temperatures and poor air quality are a tough combination to manage. It can be difficult to keep your home cool while also keeping indoor air clean. Try opening your windows once it’s colder outside than it is inside, cool your home off, then shut the windows and run a HEPA air cleaner or box fan filter. Even if you have AC, smoke will still get inside your home, and it’s important to clean your indoor air. For ways to keep smoke out of your living space and reduce your exposure to smoke, explore the resources at MontanaWildfireSmoke.org.