Smoke Blankets Bitterroot Valley
Incident: Sawtooth Fire Wildfire
Released: 9/24/2012
Monday, September 24, 2012 9:00 AM
Phone: 406-363-3556
HAMILTON, MT - Smoke from fires burning primarily in Idaho are causing bad air conditions in the Bitterroot Valley, not seen since the forest fires of 2000. Today's Bitterroot Valley air quality, monitored at the Hamilton Courthouse, is rated Very Unhealthy. Active children, adults and people with respiratory disease, such as asthma, should avoid prolonged exertion; everyone else, especially children, should limit prolonged outdoor exertion.
The Bitterroot Valley is a natural collector of stagnant air as it is surrounded by tall mountain peaks on all sides. When current high pressure sets up over the Valley, air exchange is restricted, hence poor air quality. Until the high pressure breaks down, and the jet stream slide south, air from the Western wildfires will settle into the Valleys, continuing unhealthy air. For daily smoke updates and to see current health categories for your community visit http://todaysair.mt.gov Wildland fires burning near the Bitterroot Valley:
·1. Mustang 336,000 acres 22% Contained North Fork, ID
·2. Powell 51,000 acres Unknown Sel-Bitterroot, ID
·3. Porcupine 30,000 acres 0% Contained East of Elk City, ID
·4. Sawtooth 6,000 acres 45% Contained Hamilton, MT
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Mustang fire in Idaho, with smoke drifting Northerly into the Bitterroot Valley
For more information on wildland fires and related information visit:
www.inciweb.org sawtoothfire@gmail.com
