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Wildfire Smoke Update
for
Saturday, August 28, 2010 3:56 PM

Satellite Photos | Locations and Smoke Conditions


Today's Report and Forecast Today's Summary
DAILY UPDATES HAVE BEEN SUSPENDED

A cold and wet weather system moving into the state has drastically reduced the level of fire activity today. Smoke levels are very low and air quality is generally good.
Residents near active fires and under plumes aloft need to remain aware of current conditions and use the visibility guidelines to guide their activity decisions as the situation changes.

John Coefield
Meteorologist
Air Resource Management Bureau
Montana Department of Environmental Quality
406-444-5272
406-465-0835 (Mobile)




 




 








 




The smoke report below compares particulate levels where information is available to MDEQ’s Health Effects Categories. Real time particulate information is currently available in most of the larger urban areas from several different sources including: DEQ run PM-10 BAMS and PM2.5 BAMS, NWS ASOS visibility monitors, and USFS remote access Nephelometers and BAMS. These advisories represent conditions between midnight and 8 AM and may change substantially throughout the day.

Locations and severity of forest fire smoke reports since midnight of the date above at reporting stations.
Health Effects Categories City
  Hazardous  
  Very Unhealthy  
  Unhealthy  
  Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups  
  Moderate

  
  Good

  
B1(x) One-hour BAM value (number of values)
B8(x) Eight-hour average BAM
B24 24 hour  average BAM value
Vis(x) Visibility value (number of hours)
Vis(am/pm) Visibility value from twice/day reporting stations

Local impacts in areas immediately adjacent to active fires are expected to exceed some or all of the advisory levels.  DEQ recommends the use of local visibility guidelines to evaluate possible health risks and make informed activity decisions.