Wildfire & Smoke

Wildfire smoke can impact our local air quality even when fires are hundreds of miles away. Wildfire smoke can cause health impacts and persist throughout the summer and into the fall. When wildfire smoke is present, it is important to clean your indoor air.

Our Air Quality Blog is a great place to get updates and forecasts of air quality during wildfire smoke season. Send us an email to be added to the list.

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Today’s Air:

DEQ Today’s Air

Most recent Pm 2.5 concentrations in Missoula, frenchtown, seeley lake & surrounding areas

Prepare for wildfire smoke season:

Certified Air Cleaners

Climate Smart Air Site

Air Quality Category: Good

Particulate Matter Concentration (PM2.5)	Nowcast: 0-9 µg/m³
Visibility Ranges	13 Miles and up
Health Effects	None
Cautionary Statements	None
Department Action	None

Air Quality Category: Moderate

Particulate Matter Concentration (PM2.5)	Nowcast: 9-35.4 µg/m³
Visibility Ranges	9 to 13 Miles and up
Health Effects	None
Cautionary Statements	None
Department Action	None

Air Quality Category: Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups

Particulate Matter Concentration (PM2.5)	Nowcast: 35.5-55.4 µg/m³
Visibility Ranges	5 to 9 Miles
Health Effects	Increasing likelihood of symptoms in sensitive individuals, aggravation of heart or lung disease and premature death in persons with cardiopulmonary disease, smokers and the elderly.
Cautionary Statements	People with heart or lung disease, smokers, children and the elderly should limit prolonged exposure.
Department Action	Inform public of potential smoke impacts. Recommend student athletes with respiratory illness limit outdoor activity and have rescue inhalers readily available.

Air Quality Category: Unhealthy

Particulate Matter Concentration (PM2.5)	Nowcast: 55.5-125.4 µg/m³
Visibility Ranges	2.25 to 5 Miles
Health Effects	Increased aggravation of heart or lung disease and premature death in persons with cardiopulmonary disease, smokers and the elderly; increased respiratory effects in general population.
Cautionary Statements	People with heart or lung disease, smokers, children and the elderly should limit heavy or prolonged exertion and limit time spent outdoors. People with asthma should follow asthma management plan. People experiencing symptoms of heart or lung disease associated with smoke exposure should contact their health care provider.
Department Action	Inform public of potential smoke impacts. Recommend postponing/delaying outdoor sporting events, especially high exertion activities like soccer and track and field. If event/practice is held, recommend athletes with asthma or other respiratory illness not to participate. Everyone should limit outdoor activity.

Air Quality Category: Very Unhealthy

Particulate Matter Concentration (PM2.5)	Nowcast: 125.5-225.4 µg/m³
Visibility Ranges	1.25 to 2 Miles
Health Effects	Significant aggravation of heart or lung disease and premature death in persons with cardiopulmonary disease, smokers, and the elderly. Significant increase in respiratory effects in general population.
Cautionary Statements	People with heart or lung disease, smokers, children and the elderly should avoid heavy or prolonged exertion and stay indoors when possible. People with asthma should follow asthma management plan. People experiencing symptoms of heart or lung disease associated with smoke exposure should contact their health care provider. Everyone else should limit prolonged exertion and limit time spent outdoors.
Department Action.	Inform public of potential smoke impacts. Recommend no outdoor activity for persons under 18. Recommend cancellation of outdoor public gatherings, especially athletic events, activities, and practices.

Air Quality Category: Hazardous

Particulate Matter Concentration (PM2.5)	Nowcast: 225.5+ µg/m³
Visibility Ranges	1.25 Miles or less
Health Effects	Serious aggravation of heart or lung disease and premature mortality in persons with cardiopulmonary disease, smokers, and the elderly. Serious risk of respiratory effects in general population.
Cautionary Statements	People with heart or lung disease, smokers, children and the elderly should avoid any outdoor activity. People with asthma should follow asthma management plan. People experiencing symptoms of heart or lung disease associated with smoke exposure should contact their health care provider. Everyone else should avoid heavy and prolonged exertion and limit time spent outdoors.
Department Action	Inform public of potential smoke impacts. Recommend no outdoor activity for persons under 18. Recommend canceling all (indoor and outdoor) athletic events, activities and practices. The department may also institute any of the advisories and requirements listed in the Missoula County Air Stagnation Plan, if deemed necessary to protect public health.