Wildfire Smoke & Indoor Air Protection

When wildfire smoke turns skies orange hundreds of miles from the fire, indoor air quality becomes a health emergency — especially for children, elderly, and asthma patients.

Monitor Air Quality

• Check AirNow.gov daily during smoke events
• AQI 101–150: sensitive groups limit outdoor activity
• AQI 151+: everyone stay indoors
• AQI 301+: hazardous — seal home, run HEPA filters

See also: When Will Smoke Clear?

Seal Your Home

1. Close all windows and doors
2. Tape gaps around leaky windows if needed
3. Set HVAC to recirculate — disable fresh air intake
4. Replace HVAC filters with MERV-13 or higher before fire season

Create a Clean Room

• Choose one bedroom with few windows
• Run a HEPA air purifier on high 24/7 during smoke events
• Sleep in this room when AQI exceeds 150

Mask Guidance

• N95 or KN95 masks filter PM2.5 smoke particles outdoors
• Cloth and surgical masks do not protect against smoke
• Replace masks when breathing becomes difficult or after heavy use

When to Evacuate

Leave immediately if authorities issue evacuation orders — smoke plus fire proximity is life-threatening.

Wildfire Evacuation Checklist →

After Smoke Clears

• Replace HVAC filters
• Wet-wipe surfaces before vacuuming (dry vacuuming stirs particles)
• Watch for symptoms: coughing, chest tightness, eye irritation — seek medical care if severe

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Monitor official evacuation orders via NOAA and local emergency services.