Wildfires are growing more frequent and severe, creating urgent health risks for communities in their path. A doctor who treated patients during multiple fires in recent years says preparation is the key to surviving both the immediate danger and the long-term effects of smoke exposure.
The doctor’s community faced two large wildfires three years ago, destroying hundreds of homes and forcing rapid evacuations. Residents often fled with little more than the clothes they were wearing. The thick smoke that followed overwhelmed local clinics with calls for emergency medication and respiratory relief. Two weeks ago, three separate fires burned over 900 structures, displacing 65,000 people and placing thousands more on alert for sudden evacuation orders.
The doctor was notified at 2 a.m. that their area had entered a level 2 emergency evacuation warning. For over a week, they kept packed bags ready, answering the phone with the fear that an evacuation order could come at any moment.
How Wildfire Smoke Harms Health
Wildfire smoke contains a mix of gases and microscopic particles from burning vegetation and buildings. On high-smoke days, the air may appear as a thick yellow or gray haze. These particles irritate the eyes, nose, throat, and lungs, with the most severe effects hitting people with chronic heart or lung conditions, children, older adults, and pregnant women. Even healthy individuals may experience coughing, shortness of breath, or eye irritation.
Summer and fall are the peak seasons for wildfires, meaning smoke exposure risks increase during these months. The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a critical tool for tracking danger levels, ranging from good to hazardous. When AQI readings spike, outdoor activity should be limited, and staying indoors becomes essential.
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Steps to Reduce Exposure
Monitoring air quality is the first defense. Reliable sources like AirNow, the EPA, or IQAir provide real-time updates. Smartphone apps can also deliver alerts when conditions worsen. If smoke is present, keeping doors and windows closed helps block outdoor pollution. Using air conditioning in recirculate mode—rather than pulling in outside air—further reduces exposure.
Indoor activities that generate additional pollutants, such as burning candles or vacuuming, should be avoided. A portable HEPA air purifier can improve air quality inside homes. When driving, keeping windows closed and using the recirculate air setting prevents smoke from entering the vehicle.
If outdoor time is unavoidable, a well-fitted N95 respirator mask is the only effective protection against fine particles. Surgical or cloth masks do not filter out the smallest, most harmful particles. Physical activity should also be limited on high-smoke days, with outdoor plans rescheduled for safer times.
Evacuation and Long-Term Preparedness
Having an emergency kit ready with medications, important documents, water, and a change of clothes is critical. Evacuation orders must be followed immediately, especially for those with chronic medical conditions who may need extra medication supplies. Symptoms like persistent coughing, wheezing, chest pain, or difficulty breathing require prompt medical attention.
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