Montana DEQ Issues Air Quality Alert for Western Counties Amid Smoke Plume

A Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) Air Quality Alert remains in effect across eight western counties until 9 a.m. Saturday, as wildfire smoke from multiple blazes drives particulate levels into the Moderate range.

The alert covers Beaverhead, Deer Lodge, Granite, Mineral, Missoula, Powell, Ravalli and Sanders counties, where fine particulate matter (PM₂.₅) has risen above safe thresholds due to smoke transport from regional wildfires. This advisory underscores health concerns for sensitive groups and urges residents to take protective measures.

The smoke originates primarily from the Bivens Creek and Cloudrest fires in southwest Montana, along with several large Idaho wildfires. The Bivens Creek blaze is 94 percent contained at 2,126 acres, while the Cloudrest fire spans 3,148 acres with 35 percent containment. Unchecked fires in Idaho-such as the East, Mire and Ulm Creek incidents-continue sending smoke eastward under stagnant high-pressure conditions. The Southwesterly flow expected Monday may ease Montana’s smoke burden, but until then, particulate levels are forecast to remain elevated.

Residents are advised to monitor local air quality at todaysair.mtdeq.us, limit time outdoors-especially sensitive individuals with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions-and use air filtration where possible. Outdoor workers should consider adjusted schedules or protective equipment. The advisory will automatically end at 9 a.m. Saturday, but DEQ cautions that conditions could persist if smoke lingers or fresh wildfire activity occurs.

Source: Montana DEQ Smoke Forecast and Air Quality Alert