Air quality alert issued for Latah, Nez Perce counties

An air quality alert remains in effect until Monday morning for Latah and Nez Perce counties and the Nez Perce Reservation due to smoke from wildfires in central Idaho. The National Weather Service in Spokane reported that Lewiston's air quality was rated “unhealthy for sensitive groups” on Friday afternoon. Conditions were notably worse in Kamiah, Cottonwood, and Grangeville, where air quality was classified as “unhealthy. ” As of Friday evening, air quality improved slightly across these areas, but concerns persist about health impacts on vulnerable populations. Residents are encouraged to monitor air quality using resources like fire.

airnow. gov. Wildfires in the region have become a recurrent issue, raising awareness about the need for effective fire management strategies. The alert serves as a reminder of the potential dangers associated with wildfire smoke. Local officials continue to emphasize the importance of public health precautions during such alerts.