The current air quality across Missoula County is Moderate to Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups, and it definitely looks it. That signature orange-hazed sun welcomed us this morning and our mountains are looking a little more distant.
The culprit is still Washington and Oregon. There are several large active fires in Oregon: the Rowe Creek Complex is approaching 150k acres and 28% contained, the Brewer fire is almost 30k acres and 5% contained, and the Akawa Butte Fire is over 26k acres and 3% contained. Washington’s Kaiser Canyon Fire is over 85k acres and 3% contained. Take a look at Inciweb.Wildfire.gov to find out more information about other wildfires.
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Thankfully, it looks like this denser smoke should clear a little throughout today and we may see some improvement late tonight and tomorrow with the wind in the forecast. That does not mean we are in the clear, though. The transport winds have been pretty mild, preventing smoke from really clearing out of our valleys. But they are expected to pick up and are flowing from the southwest, bringing more smoke from Oregon. Check Fire.AirNow.Gov often for the most up-to-date air quality.
When the Air Quality Index is Orange or Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups, sensitive groups of people should shorten and reduce the intensity of any outdoor activities. Symptoms of short-term exposure to wildfire smoke, such as coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and fatigue, may arise. Be sure to follow your asthma plan or health care provider recommendations as necessary.
This does not mean that people who are not considered "sensitive groups" will not feel the effects of wildfire smoke. If you are feeling off because of the smoke, reduce your exposure by reducing outdoor activity, seeking clean indoor air, and taking care of your general health.
Smoke is not just affecting Missoula County. If you have friends or family around the state, check in to see if they are familiar with the Air Quality Index and if they have a way to clean their indoor air. Our friends over at MT DEQ write helpful smoke forecasts for the entire state. They are a great travel planning tool to see where there might be the least amount of smoke in the state before you choose your weekend destination. Sign up here: https://deq.mt.gov/air/Programs/smokeforecasts or share this update with them. Mushu, your local air quali-kitty, is definitely signed up.
Check Fire.AirNow.Gov often for the most up-to-date levels of smoke and particulate matter in the air. To have it handy on your phone, download the EPA AIRNow app. The map tab at the bottom is one of the most helpful tools.
If you noticed that the Seeley Lake air quality monitor is not showing on the maps anymore, it is because there are technical difficulties with some equipment. Work is underway to get the site up and running as soon as possible.
