Montana Department of Environmental Quality Issues Air Quality Alert Due to Wildfire Smoke
The Montana Department of Environmental Quality has issued an air quality alert for several counties, including Beaverhead, Deer Lodge, Granite, Lake, Madison, Mineral, Missoula, Powell, Ravalli, Sanders, and Silver Bow. This alert is in effect until 9 AM on August 5, 2026, due to elevated particulate levels from wildfire smoke. As of 6 AM on August 4, 2026, particulate levels in various locations such as Billings, Butte, Columbia Falls, Cut Bank, Dillon, Frenchtown, Great Falls, Hamilton, Helena, Libby, Missoula, Sleeping Giant, and Thompson Falls are considered moderate. State and local health officials recommend that individuals who are unusually sensitive should consider reducing prolonged or heavy exertion.