Wildfire smoke air quality update for Missoula County

Despite this reprieve, southwesterly flows continue and will hold steady throughout the weekend. With multiple fires burning in central and northeastern Oregon, these southwesterly transport winds will continue to send smoke toward western Montana and Missoula County, especially into northwestern Montana today and throughout this weekend. Air quality over the weekend is expected to be primarily Moderate with periods and pockets of Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups and Good air quality.

GOES West satellite imagery

Check Fire.AirNow.Gov often for the most up to date air quality where you are or where you are heading. If you haven’t already, download the EPA AIRNow app. The map tab at the bottom is a great resource. Take a look at this handy AQI Activity Guide for guidance on reducing your exposure to wildfire smoke.

To keep tabs on Montana wildfires, go to MTFireInfo.org. The Current Wildfires in Montana page is incredibly informative. For information on fires elsewhere, head to Inciweb.Wildfire.gov. There are several large active fires in Oregon: the Rowe Creek Complex is now up to 193k acres (150k acres yesterday) and 27% contained, the Brewer Fire is about 30k acres and 5% contained, the Akawa Butte Fire is over 26k acres and 3% contained, and the Henry Fire is over 20k acres and 18% contained. Washington’s Kaiser Canyon Fire is over 89k acres and 3% contained, the Little Giant Fire is over 7k acres, and the Modrite Fire is over 9k acres.

Happy weekend from air quali-kitty, Mushu. Wherever you’re spending it, make sure to consider wildfire smoke and your exposure while planning. Learn more about smoke and health risks at MontanaWildfireSmoke.org.