Protecting Yourself From Wildfire Smoke

Wildfires are becoming more frequent and increasingly dangerous, especially in the Intermountain West, Pacific Northwest and California. These wildfires can not only have damaging effects on infrastructure, but human health as well.

Wildfire smoke is a mix of aerosols and fine particulate matter from burning plants and trees. This type of smoke could make anyone feel ill, but the groups most at risk include people with asthma and heart conditions, children, pregnant women and first responders. Inhalation of this smoke can cause a variety of health defects, such as coughing, trouble breathing, stinging eyes, scratchy throat and chest pains.

There are several precautions to take before a wildfire to ensure the safety of you and your loved ones. 

• Make sure you know your community’s evacuation plan; find and drive the different routes out of the area.
• Gather emergency supplies, such as respirators that filter out smoke to allow for safe breathing. Remember to ensure the safety of those at high risk!
• Stay alert and always check for signs of wildfires.

If you find yourself stuck surrounded by a wildfire, follow these tips to protect yourself from the smoke:

• Keep the smoke outside! Stay in a room that can remain closed off from the outside air and consider setting up an air filter to ensure the best air quality.
• Reduce smoke exposure by wearing a respirator to filter out unsafe air particles. 
• Avoid using candles, gas burning stoves or fireplaces and aerosol sprays.

Even after a wildfire has burned out, the ash remaining from the smoke can be harmful to sensitive groups so stay safe and monitor the air quality reports in your area.

Image: The Rim Fire in the Stanislaus National Forest near in California began on Aug. 17, 2013 and is under investigation (U.S. Department of Argiculture)