MISSOULA — Air quality is marked as unhealthy across Missoula County Wednesday afternoon with conditions expecting to stay the same through the night and into Thursday.
Seeley Lake's air quality also turned worse Wednesday afternoon when breezes from the east stopped, which let the smoke move back in.
Over the next couple of days, smoke will continue coming through from the southwest.
Air quality specialists with the Missoula City-County Health Department say smoke from fires burning in the Idaho wilderness is moving into the Bitterroot Valley.
It is important for everyone to reduce exposure to smoke. When air quality is unhealthy, smokers, children, the elderly, and those with heart or lung disease should limit their time spent outdoors. People with asthma should follow their asthma management plan and those experiencing symptoms of heart or lung disease associated with smoke exposure should contact their health care provider.
Feeling effects from the smoke or having to stay inside can contribute to feelings of anxiety or depression. For people experiencing this distress, it is also recommended to check with your primary care providers. Another option is to call the Western Montana Mental Health Center at 532-9700.
