Helena’s air quality stepped into “poor” territory early Monday, only to be dialed back to “watch” status several hours later in the day. Lewis and Clark Public Health said about 9 a.m. the 24-hour air quality forecast was at a “poor” stage in the Helena area, and burning restrictions were in effect. Then at about 4 p.m. officials said the levels may have already exceeded Air Quality standards. Public health officials asked residents to voluntarily eliminate or reduce the use of solid fuel burning devices, and also recommended that people reduce car idling.
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