What is the air quality right now? What about projections for tomorrow?
There are a couple ways to easily find out:
There are a couple ways to easily find out:
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We really like Fire.AirNow.Gov - this USFS-EPA site shows fires, smoke, and PM2.5 (fine particulate matter; the main pollutant of concern in smoke) from both permanent and temporary monitoring locations around the U.S. You can easily turn on or off layers, and set it for your location. Click on the map, below.
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Today's Air is the Montana DEQ site that provides information on hourly levels of PM2.5 across the state. There's more than meets the eye on this page, so both click on your community of interest and also scroll down for lots of good information.
DEQ also has Smoke Forecast updated every weekday. 
Looking over a longer time frame? The extended seasonal forecast is HERE. |
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Where are the fires?
Click on the image below to use the MT DNRC Interactive Wildland Fire Map. This map shows the size and locations of wildfires in Montana, but does not display smoke plumes. 
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Smoke Sense App
Download the EPA's free Smoke Sense App for Android and iPhones. Use the smoke sense app to learn about fires and smoke health risks in the area, as well as report health symptoms. This app uses the same system as Air Now (it calculates AQI & is based on 24 hour averages). |
no monitor?
If don't live close to air quality monitors, these visibility guidelines may help you gauge local smoke levels. Click HERE to see what the different categories mean and how they affect us.
Visibility Guidelines
Cannot see 5 miles? Unhealthy Air
Cannot see 2 miles? Very Unhealthy Air
Cannot see 1 mile? Hazardous Air
How to estimate air quality based on visibility:
Visibility Guidelines
Cannot see 5 miles? Unhealthy Air
Cannot see 2 miles? Very Unhealthy Air
Cannot see 1 mile? Hazardous Air
How to estimate air quality based on visibility:
- Use pre-determined landmarks that were established on a clear day for distances.
- Face away from the sun.
- Determine the limit of your visible range by looking for targets at known distances (miles).
More super helpful and cool maps and resources...
AIR NOW - Air Quality and Forecasts
Air Now provides current and forecasted air quality information for Montana and other states across the U.S. Click on the link and bookmark the nearest town to you. Data is collected by the U.S Environmental Protection Agency. Hourly data on this site differs somewhat from Today's Air site because of data averaging.
Air Now provides current and forecasted air quality information for Montana and other states across the U.S. Click on the link and bookmark the nearest town to you. Data is collected by the U.S Environmental Protection Agency. Hourly data on this site differs somewhat from Today's Air site because of data averaging.
Visit the EPA's Smoke Ready Toolbox site for additional resources.
what to do now?
Once you know what the air quality is like in your area, it's important to make decisions that will keep you healthy. Read about the health impacts of wildfire smoke here. Understanding the air outside and your potential health risks is only the first step. You likely have control over some of your health impacts. Learn when to exercise and how much, what air purifier to buy, how to ensure you have cleaner air in your home, and what to do if you have to stay outside by clicking through the other pages of this site.
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