Wildfire Smoke Update
for
Wednesday, September 19, 2012 9:25 AM

Satellite Photos | Locations and Smoke Conditions

Today's Report and Forecast	Today's Summary
Decent amounts of smoke were produced yesterday afternoon and evening, and air quality across much of southwestern Montana reflects this. Hourly concentrations in Butte and Hamilton are UNHEALTHY. Hourly concentrations in Missoula are MODERATE, but cumulative exposures are UNHEALTHY. Hourly smoke concentrations have been increasing in Bozeman this morning, elevating from MODERATE to UNHEALTHY FOR SENSITIVE GROUPS. Hourly concentrations in Helena and Great Falls are GOOD, but cumulative concentrations are UNHEALTHY FOR SENSITIVE GROUPS and MODERATE, respectively. Finally, thanks to a temporary air monitor that was placed in Dillon by the Forest Service, we know that hourly concentrations in Dillon are UNHEALTHY FOR SENSITIVE GROUPS, and cumulative concentrations are UNHEALTHY. Northwestern and most of eastern Montana is GOOD this morning. Red Flag Warnings are in effect today in the northeast corner of Montana today for more gusty winds and dry conditions. The entire state will stay sunny and dry today, but wind speeds will be calmer across western Montana and even over into Idaho, so it is expected that fire activity and smoke production will be less than yesterday. However, because of a strong, stable ridge of high pressure, smoke that is already in the valleys of western Montana will not clear out as quickly as some may hope. If air quality does improve, it will be very gradual. There will be another update this afternoon with the latest fire activity, smoke conditions, and a full forecast.	Please see "Today's Report and Forecast" (left). There will be another update this afternoon with the latest fire activity, smoke conditions, and a full forecast.
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.
Air Quality Bureau Montana Department of Environmental Quality Phone: (406) 444-3490 Email: DEQMTSmoke@mt.gov

 




 








 

Real time particulate information is currently available in most of the larger urban areas from MTDEQ's Today's Air website.

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.