Coeur d’Alene, Idaho – Thick wildfire smoke has prompted an Air Quality Alert across much of North Idaho, with conditions expected to remain unhealthy through at least midday Saturday. Residents in Bonner, Kootenai, Shoshone, and Benewah counties are being urged to limit time outdoors as smoke continues to settle into the valleys.
According to the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality in Coeur d’Alene and the Kootenai Tribe of Idaho, the advisory will remain in place until 12 p.m. Saturday. Air quality monitors in Sandpoint, Kellogg, and Post Falls showed levels reaching unhealthy ranges late Thursday, raising concerns for children, older adults, and those with respiratory illnesses.
Communities from St. Maries and Plummer to Wallace and Priest River are reporting haze, reduced visibility, and worsening breathing conditions. Health officials recommend avoiding prolonged or strenuous outdoor activity and keeping windows closed to limit indoor smoke infiltration. Open burning is also prohibited under state air quality rules.
The advisory may be extended if wildfire activity and wind patterns continue to funnel smoke into the region. Residents are encouraged to monitor updates and take precautions until conditions improve.
