COEUR d'ALENE - The smoky air Thursday arrived from wildland fires in Washington and Canada, said Ralph Paul, airshed coordinator for the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality.

A dry cold front moved through Thursday, increasing wind speeds in Coeur d'Alene and Post Falls, Paul said.

"I'm not sure if that will help the situation or contribute to it," said Paul. "It could clear (the smoke) out or fan the flames."

Thursday's air was unhealthy for sensitive groups of people, which means that unusually sensitive people should consider decreasing prolonged outdoor activity, Paul said.

Steve Bodnar, a meteorologist for the National Weather Service in Spokane, said the dry cold front increased the westerly flow of air from the Cascade Mountains to North Idaho.

"That's going to be the pattern for the next few days," Bodnar said.

A stronger cold front is in the forecast for Saturday, bringing more winds which could, potentially, flush out the smoke.

"Idahoans should be aware of this and check air quality on a regular basis so they can take appropriate actions if they are planning to work or exercise outside," said Jim Vannoy, environmental health manager for the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare. "We're especially concerned about people who might be more sensitive than most to the smoke in the air."

Infants, children and people with medical conditions such as asthma, lung disease and heart disease are more sensitive to poor air quality.

People who use inhalers for asthma or other conditions should keep them close at hand.

Anyone experiencing uncontrolled coughing, wheezing, choking, or breathing difficulties which continue after moving indoors is advised to seek medical treatment.

Bodnar said most of the smoke visible in North Idaho Thursday originated in the Methow Valley in Washington.

The Methow Valley fire burned at least two homes. The fast-growing Carlton Complex of fires covers 28 square miles of the scenic valley near the town of Twisp.

Carlton Complex fire spokesman Jacob McCann said two primary residences were burned. He said there are unconfirmed reports that eight other homes have burned.

- The Associated Press contributed to this report