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.

  
  
  
  



• 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.

  Direct Link to the website —https://www.airnow.gov/wildfires/be-smoke-ready/

• When Smoke Is In The Air.

  Direct Link to the website —https://www.airnow.gov/wildfires/when-smoke-is-in-the-air/