Wildfire smoke contains many air pollutants that are of concern for health, including particulate matter, carbon monoxide, and ozone. Particulate matter from wildfires has been linked to adverse health outcomes, especially respiratory problems and asthma. Children, the elderly, and persons with chronic respiratory conditions are especially at risk from wildfire smoke.
During a wildfire event, the first things you should protect are yourself and your loved ones. If you are ordered to evacuate your home or the area, do so immediately. All else is secondary.
When a wildfire is threatening your area, follow these guidelines:
For more information, visit these websites:
California Wildfires Statewide Recovery Resources
The American Red Cross
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Health Precautions during Wildfires - (link to FAQs)
AirNow: Fires - Current Conditions and Fact Sheets
CalEPA Fire Response and Recovery
Newly Published! The San Diego 2007 wildfires and Medi-Cal emergency department presentations, inpatient hospitalizations, and outpatient visits: An observational study of smoke exposure periods and a bidirectional case-crossover analysis. (2018)
Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Emergency Department Visits Associated With Wildfire Smoke Exposure in California in 2015. (2018)
Protect Yourself and Your Home During Wildfire
Reduce Exposure to Ash When Returning Home After a Fire (PDF) | Spanish
Caution: Fire Ash in Home Gardens (PDF) | Spanish
Indoor Air Filtration (PDF)
Reduce Your Smoke Exposure (PDF)
Protect Yourself from Ash (PDF)
Protect Your Lungs from Wildfire Smoke or Ash (PDF)
Protecting Children from Wildfire Smoke and Ash (PDF)
Wildfire Smoke: A Guide for Public Health Officials (PDF)