The fires burning Western Montana are putting a hit on the area's air quality. Health officials report that as of 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, the air quality was moderate or worse in Missoula County.

Meanwhile, some areas of Florence, along U.S. Highway 12, and in Lolo were unhealthy while Frenchtown came in with a reading of unhealthy for sensitive groups.

Health officials report that the quality is not expected to improve over the next day due to a strong ridge of high pressure over the state.

The Missoula City-County Health Department is recommending that those with heart or lung disease, smokers, children, and the elderly limit prolonged exertion and limit time spent outdoors in Southern Missoula County.

For the rest of the county, health officials caution that people with heart or lung disease, smokers, children, and the elderly consider limiting prolonged exertion. 

Additional information is available at www.co.missoula.mt.us/airquality or by calling the Air Quality Hotline at 258.3600.

- Mark Thorsell reporting from KPAX in Missoula