Breathing Easy During Wildfire Season: How to Protect Yourself from Smoke
Wildfire season doesn’t just bring flames to forests and hillsides, it also brings thick, smoky air that can travel for miles. Even if the fire isn’t close enough to threaten your home, the air quality can drop fast, making it unhealthy to breathe. Here’s what you need to know and how to protect yourself when wildfire smoke drifts into your community.
Why Wildfire Smoke Is Dangerous
Wildfire smoke is a mix of gases and fine particles from burning trees, plants, buildings, and other materials. The biggest health threat comes from tiny particles called PM2.5, which are small enough to get deep into your lungs, and even into your bloodstream. Breathing them in can cause:
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Coughing and throat irritation
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Burning eyes and runny nose
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Wheezing or shortness of breath
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Worsened asthma or heart problems
Children, older adults, pregnant people, and those with heart or lung conditions are especially vulnerable.
Understanding the AQI During Fires
Air quality is measured using the Air Quality Index (AQI).
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0–50 (Good): Enjoy the outdoors.
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51–100 (Moderate): Sensitive groups should be aware.
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101–150 (Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups): Limit time outdoors.
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151–200 (Unhealthy): Everyone should limit strenuous outdoor activity.
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201+ (Very Unhealthy to Hazardous): Stay inside as much as possible.
During wildfires, AQI levels can spike quickly, sometimes in just a few hours, so it’s important to check conditions multiple times a day.
Steps to Protect Yourself from Wildfire Smoke
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Stay Indoors with Clean Air
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Close all windows and doors.
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Run an air purifier with a HEPA filter, or set your HVAC system to “recirculate.”
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Avoid using swamp coolers or window AC units without a filter, as they can pull in smoky air.
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Make a “Clean Room”
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Choose one room in your home to keep as clean-air as possible.
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Use a portable air purifier and keep the door closed.
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Avoid activities that add indoor pollution, like burning candles, frying food, or vacuuming without a HEPA filter.
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Use the Right Mask Outdoors
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Cloth masks or surgical masks won’t stop smoke particles.
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Wear an N95, KN95, or P100 mask for effective filtration.
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Limit Outdoor Activity
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Postpone yard work, workouts, or long walks.
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If you must be outside, keep it brief and low-exertion.
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Protect Vulnerable Family Members
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Keep medications (like inhalers) accessible.
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Have a plan for children, elderly relatives, and pets.
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Monitor for signs of breathing difficulty, chest pain, or extreme fatigue.
When to Seek Help
If you or someone you’re with experiences trouble breathing, chest pain, dizziness, or a severe asthma attack, seek medical attention right away.
Bottom line: Even if the flames are far away, wildfire smoke can still affect your health. Staying informed, limiting exposure, and keeping your indoor air clean can help you ride out smoky days more safely.
