GREAT FALLS — If you've taken a look outside, you likely realized that visibility is rather limited in and around Great Falls and other communities across Montana.
The reason is smoke blowing in from wildfires in other parts of Montana, in Idaho, and beyond.
As of 8 p.m. on Sunday, July 21, 2024, the Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) says that air quality is rated as "unhealthy" (red) in some areas, including Great Falls and Lewistown.
That means some people may experience negative health effects; members of sensitive groups may experience more serious health effects.
Air quality is listed as "moderate" (yellow) in Choteau, Cut Bank, Malta, Missoula, Butte, Bozeman, and the Flathead Valley.
Here are the color-coded classifications of air quality:
- MAROON: Hazardous - Health warning of emergency conditions: everyone is more likely to be affected.
- PURPLE: Very Unhealthy - health alert - the risk of health effects is increased for everyone.
- RED: Unhealthy - some members of the general public may experience health effects; members of sensitive groups may experience more serious health effects.
- ORANGE: Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups - members of sensitive groups may experience health effects. The general public is less likely to be affected.
- YELLOW: Moderate - air quality is acceptable. However, there may be a risk for some people, particularly those who are unusually sensitive to air pollution.
- GREEN: Good - air quality is satisfactory, and air pollution poses little or no risk.
On days when the air quality is forecast to be unhealthy you can take steps to reduce your exposure, including:
- Choose a less intense activity.
- Shorten your outdoor activities.
- Reschedule activities.
- Exercise away from busy roads.
When particle levels are high outdoors, they can be high indoors too. So how do you keep particles lower indoors?
- Reduce your use of fireplaces and wood stoves.
- Don’t use candles or smoke indoors.
- Use HEPA air filters in your HVAC system.
- Buy or make your own portable air cleaner designed to reduce particles indoors.
- If you don't have an air conditioner, staying inside with the windows closed may be dangerous in extremely hot weather.
- If you are hot, go someplace with air conditioning or check with your local government to find out if cooling centers are available in your community.
