Fire Causes Dangerous Air Quality in Idaho

A Red Air Quality Alert has been issued by the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality for the Treasure Valley area. The Air Quality Index (AQI) reached an unhealthy 180 on Monday. An AQI of zero to 50 is considered good. People with heart or lung disease, older adults, and children should avoid prolonged or heavy exertion. Everyone else should reduce prolonged or heavy exertion.

Fires in the area, accompanied by record heat, have caused smoke and haze to settle in the valley. The Walker Fire, located eight miles southwest of Idaho City, started Saturday and has already consumed 2,500 acres and caused evacuations. There was no lightning in the area so the fire is suspected to be human caused.

10-12 Walker Fire moving away from structures 208- 761-5175 or walkerfireidaho@gmail.com http://t.co/gMmEsnPee7 pic.twitter.com/szmtSGozGL

— Boise Nat. Forest (@BoiseNF) October 12, 2015

The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality has issued a mandatory burn ban on outdoor burning and residents are urged to car pool or use mass transit.

For WeatherNation: Meteorologist Monica Cryan