Smoke & Ash Safety

​Protect Your Health During Wildfires​

Wildfire smoke contains fine particles and gases which are respiratory irritants, and when inhaled deeply, can affect the lungs and the heart. Exposure to high concentrations of fine particles can cause persistent cough, runny nose, phlegm, wheezing, and difficulty breathing.

To avoid potential health issues from smoke and ash inhalation, CDPH recommends taking the following steps:

Indoor Safety

• Stay in clean indoor spaces. When it’s smoky outside the best way to prevent smoke inhalation is to stay in clean indoor spaces. Whether at home or in a public space, indoor environments that have filtered air and climate control can help prevent smoke and ash inhalation.

• Adjust AC or ventilation to avoid drawing in smoky air. If you have a central air conditioning or heating system in your home, set it to re-circulate or close outdoor air intakes to avoid drawing in smoky outdoor air. Be sure to change your air filter on a regular basis.
  

• Run a HEPA portable air cleaner to improve indoor air quality.  Avoid activities that create more indoor air pollution like smoking, frying food or burning candles.
  

• Reduce other sources of indoor air pollution. Smoking cigarettes, using gas, propane and wood-burning stoves and furnaces, spraying aerosol products, frying or broiling meat, burning candles and incense, and vacuuming can all increase particle levels in a home and should be avoided when wildfire smoke is present.

Outdoor Safety

• Reduce physical activity to reduce inhalation of smoky air. During exercise, people can increase their air intake as much as 20 times from their resting level. Try to exercise in clean indoor spaces if possible.

• Wear the right mask​. People who must go outside or work outdoors for long periods of time in areas with heavy smoke or where ash is present should wear a well-fitting N95 or P100 respirator. These respirators are the only kind capable of filtering the harmful particles that can cause respiratory issues. Since wearing a respirator can make it harder to breathe, those with lung or heart problems should ask their doctor before using one. Learn more about choosing the right mask for wildfire smoke protection to ensure you are using the best protection.
  

Emergency Preparedness

• Prepare emergency supplies. Make sure you have an emergency kit, complete with medications, copies of prescriptions and medical supplies.

• Be ready to evacuate. Monitor wildfire activity in your area and be prepared to evacuate if advised.

• Locate nearby shelters ahead of time, including ones that take pets.

• Monitor local news outlets for current information and updates on smoke conditions. Californians can also check their local air quality index (AQI) at EPA AirNow.
  

• Medical care. If you experience chest pain, chest tightness or shortness of breath, seek medical care immediately.
  

Additional Resources

Safe Cleanup of Ash: ​​​Learn how to protect yourself and safely handle ash after a wildfire. Learn more about safe cleanup​.

Wildfire Recovery Resources: Access state recovery resources and support through the California Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) Recovery Resources​.

Wildfire Smoke Protections for Workers: Get essential information from the CDC on Protecting Workers and the Public from Wildfire Smoke.

Guidance of Public Health Officials: ​​​​​Local public health officials can review the Wildfire Smoke Considerations for California’s Public Health Officials - August 2022 (PDF) for guidance on protecting communities during wildfire events.​