Prescribed Fire, Smoke and Health
This information explains what “prescribed fire” is, why its use is increasing, and how we can take steps to avoid breathing smoke and protect ourselves and our families from its harmful effects.
Visit Wildfires | CDPH Center for Preparedness and Response for emergency-related wildfire resources.
Key Points
- California is using more "prescribed fire." This planned, controlled burning of land helps prevent large, dangerous wildfires
- Prescribed fire usually creates less smoke than the dense, long-lasting smoke from uncontrolled wildfires
- Professionals and agencies carefully plan burns when air and weather conditions minimize smoke impacts on people and neighborhoods
- All smoke could cause health problems like irritated eyes or lungs or worsened asthma
- People who are older, children, pregnant, or who have health or lung conditions can be most harmed by smoke
- We can protect ourselves and our loved ones most harmed by smoke by getting smoke ready