Lingering smoke continues to hurt region’s air quality

The Inland Northwest’s air quality remained poor Thursday because of smoke in the area.

Low-level winds were light and kept smoke in the area from being dispersed, officials said.

Spokane’s air quality improved to moderate Thursday from unhealthy a day earlier, but the Spokane County Air Pollution Control Authority kept warnings in effect for people who suffer from respiratory problems.

Air quality was poor in Boundary, Bonner and Shoshone counties, according to the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality. The air quality was expected to improve today.

Burn bans remained in effect of Spokane, Kootenai and Benewah counties.