Chapter 23. Wildfire Smoke, Air Quality, and Respiratory Protection
Wildfire smoke can travel far beyond the flames, affecting communities that are many miles from an active fire. Residents of Pleasanton, Dublin, Livermore, San Ramon, Danville, Sunol, and surrounding Tri-Valley and Bay Area communities may experience unhealthy air even when no nearby fire is visible.
The greatest health concern is often fine particulate matter known as PM2.5. These microscopic particles can enter deeply into the lungs and may worsen respiratory and cardiovascular conditions. Smoke may also cause burning eyes, sore throat, coughing, wheezing, headaches, fatigue, chest discomfort, and difficulty breathing.
Check Official Air-Quality Information
Do not judge air quality solely by the sky’s appearance or the smell of smoke. Smoke may be present even when it is not easily visible, and a person’s sense of smell may become less sensitive after prolonged exposure.
Use official sources such as:
- AirNow.gov
- The AirNow Fire and Smoke Map
- The Bay Area Air Quality Management District
- County public-health agencies
- Local emergency-management and fire authorities
- Official air-quality alerts and advisories
The Air Quality Index, or AQI, communicates how polluted the outdoor air is and what health precautions may be appropriate. AirNow classifies AQI values from “Good” through “Hazardous.” When wildfire smoke is present, pay particular attention to the AQI for particle pollution rather than relying only on a general forecast.
Conditions can change throughout the day and differ among nearby communities. Check the current reading before exercising, sending children outside, opening windows, commuting, or caring for animals outdoors. AirNow explains how to monitor changing wildfire-smoke conditions.
Keep Indoor Air Cleaner
Staying indoors can reduce smoke exposure, but outdoor particles may still enter through doors, windows, vents, gaps, and mechanical systems.
When officials advise residents to reduce smoke exposure:
- Close exterior doors and windows.
- Set air-conditioning systems to recirculate indoor air when possible.
- Close or limit outdoor-air intakes when this can be done safely.
- Avoid using fireplaces, candles, incense, and wood-burning appliances.
- Do not smoke or vape indoors.
- Limit frying, broiling, and other cooking that generates particles.
- Avoid unnecessary vacuuming unless the vacuum has appropriate filtration.
- Never operate a generator, grill, or fuel-burning appliance indoors or in a garage.
Do not allow the home to become dangerously hot. If windows must remain closed and the home cannot be kept at a safe temperature, consider going to an air-conditioned public facility, cleaner-air center, hotel, or the home of someone outside the smoke-affected area.
The EPA provides detailed guidance for protecting indoor air during wildfires.
Create a Cleaner-Air Room
Select one room in which household members can spend most of their time during a smoke event. A bedroom or living area with few exterior doors and windows may work well.
Run a portable air cleaner sized appropriately for the room. Choose a unit that does not intentionally produce ozone. Keep doors and windows closed, operate the cleaner continuously when appropriate, and replace filters according to manufacturer instructions. Filters may become dirty more quickly during heavy smoke.
A central HVAC system may also reduce indoor particles. Ask a qualified HVAC professional whether the system can safely use a higher-efficiency filter, such as MERV 13 or the highest rating the equipment can accommodate. An overly restrictive or incorrectly installed filter may reduce airflow or damage equipment. The EPA explains how to create a cleaner-air room during wildfire smoke.
Reduce Smoke Exposure in Vehicles
A vehicle provides only temporary protection from smoke. Close the windows and vents and set the air conditioner to recirculate rather than drawing in outside air. Replace the cabin-air filter as recommended and ask whether a more efficient compatible filter is available.
Avoid unnecessary travel when visibility is poor or officials recommend staying off the roads. Recirculation cannot remove every pollutant, and carbon dioxide can accumulate during extended use in a tightly closed vehicle. A vehicle should not be treated as a long-term cleaner-air shelter.
Use an Appropriate Respirator
When outdoor exposure cannot be avoided, a properly fitted, NIOSH-approved N95 respirator can reduce inhalation of smoke particles. A P100 respirator may also provide particle protection.
The respirator must fit closely against the face without gaps. Facial hair, an incorrect size, or loose straps can prevent an effective seal. Cloth face coverings, surgical masks, bandanas, and ordinary dust masks do not provide comparable protection from wildfire smoke.
N95 respirators filter particles; they do not protect against every gas, vapor, or chemical found in smoke. Wearing one also does not make strenuous outdoor activity safe. People with heart or lung conditions should ask a healthcare professional whether respirator use is appropriate for them. Never place an adult respirator on an infant, and seek professional guidance when selecting respiratory protection for a child.
Protect Vulnerable Household Members
People who may face greater risk include children, older adults, pregnant people, outdoor workers, and individuals with asthma, COPD, heart disease, diabetes, or other chronic conditions.
Before fire season, ask the appropriate healthcare professional about:
- A written asthma or medical action plan
- An adequate supply of prescribed medication
- Proper use of inhalers and other equipment
- Symptoms requiring urgent attention
- Whether temporary relocation should be considered
- Appropriate respirators and cleaner-air arrangements
Keep pets indoors when possible and minimize their exertion. Contact a veterinarian if an animal develops coughing, breathing difficulty, unusual weakness, or other concerning symptoms.
Know When to Seek Medical Advice
Contact a healthcare professional for new or worsening symptoms, including persistent coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, unusual fatigue, palpitations, or symptoms that do not improve after exposure is reduced.
Call 911 or seek emergency care immediately for severe breathing difficulty, chest pain, signs of a heart attack or stroke, confusion, fainting, bluish lips or face, or another medical emergency. The CDC advises people with chronic conditions to obtain medical help for new, worsening, or persistent smoke-related symptoms.
Helpful Hint
Smoke conditions can change quickly and may differ across short distances. Check current official air-quality information rather than relying only on appearance or smell.
Important Safety Reminder
Staying inside, using filtration, or wearing a respirator does not replace an evacuation order. If public-safety authorities instruct you to leave because of wildfire danger, evacuate promptly and follow official routes.
Important Preparedness and Safety Notice
This chapter provides general preparedness education, not real-time emergency instructions. Conditions, evacuation zones, routes, shelters, road closures, and public-safety directions can change rapidly. During an emergency, consult current information from authorized public agencies and follow all instructions issued by emergency officials. Call 911 for an immediate threat to life, active fire, serious injury, crime in progress, or another urgent emergency.
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