Utah Air Quality Plummets as Wildfire Smoke Returns, but Relief Expected Shortly

Air Quality Alert Issued for Salt Lake and Utah Counties

Residents Urged to Stay Indoors, Limit Outdoor Activity

Air quality in Utah has plummeted to hazardous levels as wildfire smoke from out-of-state blazes blankets the region. The Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has issued an air quality alert for Salt Lake and Utah counties, urging residents to stay indoors and limit outdoor activity.

The smoke is primarily originating from the Snake River Complex Fire in Idaho and the Telegraph Fire in Arizona. Strong winds are pushing the smoke into Utah, where it is expected to linger for several days. Air quality monitors in Salt Lake City and Provo have recorded particulate matter (PM2.5) levels above 150 micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m³), which is considered hazardous.

Exposure to wildfire smoke can cause a range of health problems, including respiratory irritation, coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing. Children, the elderly, and individuals with heart or lung conditions are particularly vulnerable to the effects of smoke inhalation.

Health Precautions for Wildfire Smoke

To protect your health during wildfire smoke events, the DEQ recommends taking the following precautions:

• Stay indoors as much as possible, especially if you have respiratory or heart conditions.
• Keep windows and doors closed, and use an air purifier with a HEPA filter to reduce indoor air pollution.
• Limit outdoor activity, especially during the early morning and evening hours when smoke levels are typically highest.
• If you must go outdoors, wear a mask or respirator to protect your lungs from smoke inhalation.
• Avoid strenuous activity, as this can increase your breathing rate and exposure to smoke.

Relief Expected Shortly

While the wildfire smoke is expected to linger for several days, relief is on the horizon. The National Weather Service is forecasting a change in wind direction that will push the smoke out of Utah by the weekend. In the meantime, residents are urged to take precautions to protect their health and avoid unnecessary exposure to smoke.

For more information on air quality in Utah, visit the DEQ website at https://deq.utah.gov/.