Boise smoke advisory prohibits outdoor burning in Ada County

An Idaho Department of Environmental Quality advisory remains active in Ada County as wildfire smoke affects Boise and communities across the Treasure Valley. The advisory prohibits outdoor burning and calls for added caution during periods of heavy smoke.

The DEQ outdoor-burning restrictions map was updated at 3:58 p.m. MDT on July 26, 2026. Ada County is listed among the areas covered by the restriction, so residents should not burn outdoors while the advisory applies.

Outdoor burning is prohibited

The restriction covers campfires, fire pits, residential burning, prescribed fires and other outdoor burns. Residents should not treat the rule as a recommendation or wait for smoke conditions to worsen. The prohibition is tied to the active air-quality advisory.

The restriction is separate from a wildfire evacuation order or emergency declaration. It addresses air quality and outdoor-burning activity. The DEQ map also does not mean every Boise neighborhood has identical smoke levels or exposure.

Why Boise is seeing wildfire smoke

Boise State Public Radio reported that smoke moving into Western Idaho and the Treasure Valley was linked to wildfires in Central Oregon and Washington. Conditions can vary across the region, so residents should check current readings before exercising, commuting by bicycle, working outdoors or spending extended time outside.

A reading from an earlier day should not be treated as the current Boise-area air-quality level.

Steps to reduce smoke exposure

Idaho health officials recommend limiting outdoor activity and keeping windows and doors closed when smoke is heavy. Residents can use heating and cooling systems in recirculation mode and consider air purifiers or other filtration to help keep indoor air cleaner.

People should monitor for symptoms such as coughing, throat irritation, shortness of breath or worsening asthma. Anyone with serious or worsening symptoms should follow medical advice and seek care when appropriate.

Children, older adults, pregnant people and people with asthma or other lung conditions may face greater health risks from wildfire smoke. Outdoor workers and others who cannot avoid exposure should take additional precautions and follow workplace and public-health guidance.

Where to check conditions

The Idaho DEQ current air-quality map provides live Boise-area monitoring information. Residents should also review the agency’s air-quality advisory guidance before burning or planning prolonged outdoor activity.

Smoke conditions and restrictions can change. For Boise and Ada County residents, the immediate steps are to avoid all outdoor burning, check current air-quality readings and reduce smoke exposure when conditions deteriorate.

Sources

• Idaho DEQ Air Quality Advisory and Outdoor Open Burning Restrictions Map
• Idaho Department of Health and Welfare wildfire and smoke guidance
• Boise State Public Radio smoke and safety advisory report
• Idaho DEQ Current Air Quality Map