Wildfire smoke will be a big concern in Idaho again this week, with explosive wildfire growth in recent days.

Forecasters expect air quality across much of Idaho to be in the orange or red categories, with orange meaning the air quality is unhealthy for sensitive groups and red meaning it is unhealthy for everybody.

Mike Toole, regional airshed coordinator for the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality, does not expect much relief anytime soon.

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"Weather conditions are going to remain dry and hot, probably some little bit lower winds, which may help with that fire activity. But right now, with the reports from the fires, the weather, and the air quality forecast, I don't see any major changes moving ahead the next three, four days," Toole projected.

Toole pointed out large fires in eastern Oregon and Washington are the biggest contributors to wildfire smoke in southern, central and northern Idaho. He advised people in sensitive groups to limit their time outdoors or stay inside when air quality reaches the orange category, including children, the elderly, people with respiratory or cardiac issues and pregnant women.

Toole recommended the same thing for everyone, including healthy adults, when the air quality reaches the red category, adding the news is not much better for the long-term forecast and the state could see wildfires and smoke through September and even into October.

Toole noted we are only halfway through wildfire season and resources could be stretched thin with additional fire activity.

"If the resources aren't available to fight these fires, and they burn longer and they are more active, that just means more smoke production. In the event of more smoke production is the possibility of more smoke impacts," Toole cautioned.

Toole recommended the federal website AirNow to track air quality and fire activity where they live. The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality’s website is also a good resource, with a real-time air quality map, air quality advisories, burn restrictions and tips to protect your health. The Air Idaho app offers the same information and you can get notifications for advisories in your area.