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Smoke from Canada, Pacific Northwest fires to linger through Wednesday in Idaho

Fires in California, Washington, Oregon and British Columbia continue to push smoke into the Treasure Valley and other parts of Idaho.

BOISE — As smoke continues to fill the air across Idaho, one question Monday is, where is all the smoke coming from?

A popular guess is that the smoke is coming from California, but, a big chunk of what Idaho is seeing is actually is coming from British Columbia, Canada.

That combined with fires from California, Washington, and Oregon is what is creating the smoky skyscape many are talking about.

The National Weather Service is forecasting that the smoky conditions should last at least through Wednesday, and likely beyond that into the weekend.

The NWS is looking at a chance of a new cold front with rain moving into the region later in the week, which could bring some relief at the end of the week, but likely not enough to clear everything out.

"Strong westerly winds could transport this really thick smoke out, but probably not enough rain to put the fire out, so smoke will fill right back in after that front," said Jay Breidenbach, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service.

Another big question people are asking Monday, how unhealthy is it to breathe the smoky air?

The air quality index across Idaho is seeing a few different conditions.

Down in the Treasure Valley, conditions are varying from moderate to unsafe for sensitive groups, with some areas seeing hazardous conditions early Monday.

Some places in northern Idaho did see very unhealthy conditions at some points Monday.

The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality has a simple suggestion of what to do when air quality starts moving towards unhealthy levels.

"If you don't have to be out in the smoke, it's best that you don't. Even if you don't have any symptoms or side effects from it, it's best that you don't be breathing it in. Especially when we reach that red category, reduce your exposure, that will be best for you," said Mike Toole with the Boise DEQ office.

As conditions continue to stay dry, parts of Idaho and the Northwest region are under a red flag alert into Monday night.

A red flag alert basically means that identified areas are seeing conditions where a new fire could easily start.

The National Weather Service says they are watching Monday night because there is a chance of thunderstorms across Idaho, and lightning could easily start new fires.

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