GREAT FALLS — Air quality is rated “very unhealthy” and visibility is limited in Great Falls beginning at 8 a.m. Monday, Sept. 9, 2024 due to smoke from the wildfire.

This is mainly due to the wildfires in Idaho and will continue to impact air quality today and Tuesday.

Air quality is rated “unhealthy” in Choteau, Missoula, Hamilton, Butte, Helena and Lewistown.

Air quality in Havre and Seeley Lake is rated as “unhealthy for sensitive groups.”

Air quality is rated “moderate” in Cut Bank, Flathead Valley, Dillon, Bozeman and Billings.

The Montana Department of Environmental Quality (link) uses color-coded classifications for air quality:

• CHESTNUT BROWN: Dangerous – Emergency Health Alert: Everyone is at increased risk of being affected.
• PURPLE: Very unhealthy – health warning – the risk of health effects is increased for everyone.
• RED: Unhealthy – some members of the general population may experience health effects; members of sensitive groups may experience more serious health effects.
• ORANGE: Unhealthy for sensitive groups – members of sensitive groups may experience health effects. The general public is less likely to be affected.
• YELLOW: Moderate – air quality is acceptable. However, there may be a risk for some people, particularly those who are unusually sensitive to air pollution.
• VEGETABLES: Good – air quality is satisfactory and air pollution poses little or no risk.

There may be some improvement in the smoke tonight and overnight, but by Friday the smoke will be thicker and denser again.
In addition to the DEQ site, you can also check air quality here.

MTN News