BOISE, Idaho — Smoky skies and hazardous breathing conditions continue to plague several regions today. The smoke has been wafting into certain areas but as of Thursday, Aug. 29, dense smoke blankets the landscape, severely reducing visibility in affected areas.
Air quality indexes have soared into the 'Very Unhealthy' in Stanley and the Wood River Valley/Sun Valley before sunrise. Boise is also in the red quality, meaning unhealthy.
We advise residents to stay indoors; outdoor activities are strongly discouraged, and those with respiratory issues should take extra precautions.
Where is this smoke coming from?
Thick smoke from forest fires burning in central Idaho is spreading west toward the Treasure Valley. Smoke is expected to increase due to northerly flow aloft from high pressure building off to the west. Surface winds remain light, so any smoke that settles in won't budge much during the day without the movement of air to push it out. Thick smoke is looking to stick around through Sunday.
Meaning, air quality is going continue poor for several days.
Boise School District Activity Changes/Closures Aug. 29:
Our air quality is still in the RED.
All Junior High competitions have been cancelled for the day. If you have practices, please move them inside or cancel them.
High school competitions hosted by Boise School District schools have been cancelled and practices will be canceled or moved inside. For games hosted outside of the Boise School District, the determination on whether or not to play will be made by and communicated by the host school.
We will have an update on Timberline vs. Borah football at Dona Larsen Park at 5:00 pm.
West Ada School District Activity Changes/Closures Aug. 29
West Ada Families: Due to deteriorating air quality and anticipated red zone conditions, all middle school cross country activities are canceled. Other activities should be moved indoors. High school games will be evaluated, with a decision by 4:00 PM. We regularly monitor air quality using Idaho DEQ's Real-Time Air Monitoring. Visit our website for updates. Thank you for prioritizing safety with us. https://www.westada.org/page/air-quality-procedures
This story will be updated.