Air quality information will not be updated on this website on weekends and holidays.  At those times please call the
Air Quality Hotline at:
447-1644

AIR QUALITY INFORMATION

Air quality in the Helena Valley airshed is monitored year around as part of the Environmental Health Services air quality program.  We will notify the public of poor air quality episodes through this website, radio and television. You can also call our air quality hotline at 447-1644. To check the state website, please go to http://todaysair.mt.gov/AirMonitoring/AirDataMap.aspx..

For open burning restriction go to www.smokemu.org

Poor Air Quality Day in the Helena Valley

Health Effect Categories


Health Effects


Cautionary Statements

Good

None

None

Moderate

Possibility of aggravation of heart or lung disease among persons with cardiopulmonary disease and the elderly.

None

Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups

Increasing likelihood of respiratory symptoms in sensitive individuals, aggravation of heart or lung disease and premature mortality in persons with cardiopulmonary disease and the elderly.

People with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly and children should limit prolonged exertion.

Unhealthy for

All Individuals

Increased aggravation of heart or lung disease and premature mortality in persons with cardiopulmonary disease and the elderly; increased respiratory effects in the general population.

People with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly, and children should avoid prolonged exertion; everyone else should limit prolonged exertion.

Very Unhealthy

Significant aggravation of heart or lung disease and premature mortality in persons with cardiopulmonary disease and the elderly; significant risk of respiratory effects in the general population.

People with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly, and children should avoid any outdoor activity; everyone else should avoid prolonged exertion.

Hazardous

Serious aggravation of heart or lung disease and premature mortality in persons with cardiopulmonary disease and the elderly; serious risk of respiratory effects in the general population.

Everyone should avoid any outdoor exertion; people with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly, and children should remain indoors.

The open burning season has resumed as of March 1, 2010.  

To obtain an open burning permit , you may call the toll free number 1-877-453-2876 to request a permit via the automated system, or online at www.burnpermit.mt.gov, or at the Clerk and Recorders office at the City-County building, 316 N. Park.  Burn permits will cost $10.00.  If you order your permit online or through the toll free number. Once you receive your permit, you must call or go online to activate the permit for a burn. You can activate your permit by calling the toll free number or  online at www.burnpermit.mt.gov, type in the permit number to be activated that day. You must activate each day that you want to burn.

Weather Icon

Please call the air quality hotline for current information.

AIR QUALITY HOTLINE:
447-1644

Additional Air Quality Information Links

The EPA tracks the levels of pollutants in the air and posts the results to this web site, http://www.epa.gov/airtrends/

A map showing NOAA's National Weather Service Air Quality Forecast.

You can receive daily email update of the air quality forecast by subscribing and following the direction on

" EnviroFlash"

Additional Information

OUTDOOR AIR QUALITY ORDINANCE

Related
Websites

 DEQ Webcam

State Fire Updates

Wildfire Smoke and You

http://www.inciweb.org/

 

 

 

CONTACT INFORMATION 

Environmental Services
City-County Building
316 N. Park  Room 404
Helena, MT 59623
(406)447-8351
Fax: (406)447-8398