Wildfires & Air Quality

Wildfire smoke contains a number of different compounds. At high concentrations, these compounds can be harmful to our health. Fine particulate matter is a major component of smoke – it can travel long distances, and can move deeply into the lungs when we breathe. Sensitive groups, including young children, the elderly, and individuals with reduced respiratory and heart function, are especially susceptible to particulate matter in the air.

Stay Informed

• Conditions can change with the weather. Depending on the weather, wildfire smoke can stay several hundred feet in the air or drop all the way down to the ground. This is one of the reasons why the Department runs monitors at ground level that measure air quality 365 days every year.

  See below or visit our Air Quality Monitoring page to view the hourly AQI animated map and look for Orange (Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups), Red (Unhealthy), Purple (Very Unhealthy), and Maroon (Hazardous) colors in your area.

  
  
  

  Air Quality Index Color Key

  Daily AQI Color	Levels of Concern	Values of Index	Description of Air Quality
  Green	Good	0 to 50	Air quality is satisfactory, and air pollution poses little or no risk.
  Yellow	Moderate	51 to 100	Air quality is acceptable. However, there may be a risk for some people, particularly those who are unusually sensitive to air pollution.
  Orange	Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups	101 to 150	Members of sensitive groups may experience health effects. The general public is less likely to be affected.
  Red	Unhealthy	151 to 200	Some members of the general public may experience health effects; members of sensitive groups may experience more serious health effects.
  Purple	Very Unhealthy	201 to 300	Health alert: The risk of health effects is increased for everyone.
  Maroon	Hazardous	301 and higher	Health warning of emergency conditions: everyone is more likely to be affected.

• When impacts are severe, widespread, or lengthy, the Department will distribute press releases.

• Air Quality Index (AQI animated) from EPA AIRNow

Visit with your family physician for advice on managing the health impacts of wildfire smoke.

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Be Prepared

• Be Smoke Ready at AirNow.gov.

• When Smoke Is In The Air at AirNow.gov.