Wildfires are no longer rare events. They’ve become a seasonal threat in many regions around the world. As temperatures rise and dry spells extend, smoke from wildfires travels farther, lingering for days or weeks. It’s not just about the fires anymore—it’s about the air you breathe.
Smoke contains harmful particles. These can irritate your eyes, damage your lungs, and worsen chronic conditions like asthma or heart disease. You may not see the particles, but your body feels their effects. Preparation isn’t optional. It’s necessary.
If you live near wildfire-prone areas, being prepared is as important as having water or food. In this article, you'll find practical steps to reduce your smoke exposure, keep your air clean, and stay safe during wildfire season.
Stay Indoors as Much as Possible
When wildfire smoke fills the air, the safest place is indoors. Outside air becomes contaminated with tiny, harmful particles. These particles can enter your lungs and bloodstream.
Even a short walk or run can have a big impact on your health during smoke events. It’s tempting to stick to your routine, but your lungs need a break. Stay inside until local air quality improves. Check air quality indexes online or use an app like AirNow.
Close windows and doors. Seal any gaps that let smoke in. Don’t rely on your sense of smell—by the time you smell smoke, damage is already being done. Assume the worst and take precautions early.
Limit Physical Activity Outdoors
Physical activity makes you breathe faster and deeper. During exercise, your body takes in more air—and more pollution. Smoke particles enter your system faster when you're active.
Jogging, biking, or outdoor sports during smoky days can push harmful particles deeper into your lungs. Even kids playing outside are at higher risk. If you're in a smoky area, swap your usual run for indoor yoga or stretching.
Avoid high-exertion work outdoors. If it’s unavoidable, take breaks and stay hydrated. Employers should allow flexible work arrangements when air quality drops. Your long-term health is worth the temporary slowdown and delay.
Keep Indoor Air Clean
Your home should be your clean air refuge. But when wildfire smoke is thick, even indoor air needs attention. Pollutants can sneak in through vents, cracks, and poor insulation.
Turn off fans that pull outdoor air in. Keep your HVAC system on “recirculate” mode. This prevents outside air from entering. Avoid cooking greasy or smoky meals, burning candles, or smoking indoors during these periods. All these add to poor air quality.
If you can, create a “clean room.” This is a space in your home where you control the air. Use a portable air cleaner and keep windows tightly sealed. Choose a small room with fewer windows—like a bedroom. It may feel excessive, but it could be a lifesaver during severe smoke events.
Watch for Symptoms of Smoke Exposure
Even without direct contact with fire, smoke can cause health issues. Symptoms might appear slowly or feel like a mild cold. But if ignored, they can turn serious.
Look out for these common signs:
- Coughing that doesn’t go away
- Shortness of breath
- Scratchy throat or watery eyes
- Chest discomfort
- Dizziness or fatigue
Children, the elderly, and people with pre-existing respiratory conditions are especially vulnerable. Don't ignore what your body tells you. Take symptoms seriously, even if they seem minor. If they worsen, seek medical help.
You can’t tough it out when it comes to breathing. The consequences linger long after the smoke clears. Don't take chances with your health.
Run an Air Purifier
One of the best ways to reduce indoor smoke particles is with a good air purifier. Not all purifiers are created equal. Look for models with HEPA filters. These can trap tiny particles—often down to 0.3 microns.
Place your purifier in the room where you spend the most time. Don’t hide it in a corner. Keep it away from walls and give it space to work.
Run it continuously during smoke events. Change filters regularly. A clogged filter is like trying to drink through a blocked straw—it just won’t work.
If buying a purifier isn’t possible, consider building a DIY version using a box fan and a MERV-rated furnace filter. It’s cheap, quick, and surprisingly effective in a pinch.
Wear a Mask When Necessary
Cloth or surgical masks don’t cut it during wildfire smoke days. They may block dust, but not tiny smoke particles. You’ll need something stronger.
N95 or P100 respirators are designed for this task. These masks can filter out 95% or more of fine particles. They're a solid choice when you must be outdoors.
Make sure the mask fits snugly. Gaps let in dangerous air. Shave facial hair if needed to ensure a tight seal. These masks aren’t meant for kids. Try to keep children indoors during heavy smoke events.
Don’t wear a mask while exercising. It strains your lungs and can cause dizziness. Use masks only when absolutely necessary and for limited periods of time.
Limit Exposure in Your Vehicle
You’re not immune from smoke while driving. In fact, your car can become a moving smoke trap. But there are ways to limit exposure.
First, keep windows rolled up. Then, switch your AC or heat to “recirculate.” This stops outside air from entering the cabin. If your car has a cabin air filter, check it regularly. Replace it if it’s clogged.
Some newer vehicles have air filtration systems. If yours doesn’t, try not to drive during peak smoke hours. Early morning and late evening often have the worst air quality. Stay parked if possible.
Avoid idling with the AC on in a smoky area. This draws outside air into the engine compartment and can damage your vehicle long-term.
A Personal Perspective
During the 2024 LA wildfires, everything changed. The fires didn't reach our neighborhood, but the smoke sure did. Ash blanketed our patio furniture. The air smelled like burning plastic. It looked like dusk in the middle of the afternoon.
I figured it would blow over in a few hours. I cracked the windows to let in a breeze. That was a big mistake.
By evening, I had a sore throat and burning eyes. My teenager, who has mild asthma, started wheezing nonstop. We rushed to urgent care and were told our exposure had made it worse. The doctor didn’t mince words—wildfire smoke is toxic.
Now, every time fire season returns to LA, we’re ready. We keep N95 masks in the car, use a high-efficiency air purifier indoors, and follow AQI alerts like we check the weather. That experience taught us something valuable: when smoke rolls in, waiting it out isn’t brave—it’s risky.
Conclusion
Wildfire smoke isn’t going away. If anything, it’s becoming more common, more intense, and more widespread. You don’t need to live next to a forest to feel its effects. Smoke travels across cities, counties, and even countries.
Your best defense is preparation. Stay indoors when the air turns bad. Keep your air clean. Use purifiers and masks wisely. Watch for symptoms and act fast.
Protecting your health isn’t about fear—it’s about being ready. Take these steps seriously. Your lungs will thank you later.
