The ongoing wildfire conditions gripping southeast Idaho have prompted the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality to issue an Air Quality Advisory covering five counties in the region, including Bannock County and its neighboring communities.
The National Weather Service office in Pocatello issued the advisory Monday, August 3, at 11:20 a.m. MDT, with the advisory set to remain in effect through Wednesday, August 5. Wildfire smoke drifting across the area is responsible for the degraded air quality conditions that prompted the warning.
Which Counties Are Affected
The advisory covers Bannock, Bingham, Caribou, Oneida, and Power counties — a broad swath of southeast Idaho that includes Pocatello, Chubbuck, and surrounding communities. Residents throughout this region should expect reduced air quality during the advisory period.
The Air Quality Index for the affected area is forecast to reach the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups category — a level that poses meaningful health risks to those with underlying conditions or vulnerabilities, even as the general public faces a lower risk of harm.
Who Is Most at Risk
The Idaho DEQ identifies children, the elderly, and anyone with existing respiratory conditions as the groups most vulnerable during elevated smoke events. These individuals are strongly advised to avoid prolonged or strenuous outdoor activity for the duration of the advisory.
While healthy adults face less immediate risk, the DEQ recommends that all individuals limit extended or vigorous outdoor exertion until conditions improve. Smoke levels can shift with wind and fire behavior, so residents should monitor local conditions throughout the day.
Open burning is prohibited under air quality rules that apply during an active advisory. Residents should refrain from burning debris, yard waste, or other materials until the advisory is lifted.
This advisory comes alongside recent heat and fire weather advisories that have affected the region, compounding concerns for vulnerable Bannock County residents dealing with both high temperatures and reduced air quality simultaneously.
What Comes Next
The advisory is scheduled to expire Wednesday, August 5, though conditions may change depending on fire behavior and wind patterns across the region. Residents with questions or concerns about air quality conditions can contact the DEQ Pocatello Regional Office at (208) 236-6160. Continued monitoring of NWS Pocatello updates is recommended as wildfire season remains active across southeast Idaho.