Smoky skies bring air quality alert

August 2, 2017

An Air Quality Alert has been issued by the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality in Coeur d`Alene Idaho, to include Boundary, Benewah, Bonner, Kootenai and Shoshone counties. Some of the communities affected are Bonners Ferry, Sandpoint, Kellogg, Coeur d`Alene and St Maries The Idaho Department of Ecology has issued an Air Quality Alert until noon Saturday, August 5. Smoke from wildfires in Canada, eastern Washington, and Montana is expected to affect North Idaho as north and east winds push smoke around the Inland Northwest this week. Air quality will vary between good and unhealthy depending on wind direction and time of day. Children, the elderly and individuals with respiratory illnesses are most at risk of serious health effects. If you experience respiratory distress, you should speak with your physician.