Wildfire Smoke

Smoke from wildfires is a major pollution source in Utah and can be hazardous to your health. Keep informed of current conditions and forecasts. The source of the smoke may be a wildfire in another state. Also see nationwide wildfire smoke impacts and recommended actions to protect yourself below.

Utah’s Smoke Management Program

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Fine particles (PM2.5) from wildfire smoke pose the biggest health threat.

Wildfire smoke can make outdoor air unhealthy to breathe. Even if you stay indoors, outdoor smoke can enter your home. If you are close to a wildfire, the fire itself, as well as heavy smoke and ash, can pose serious, immediate risks to your safety and health. You may also be exposed to smoke even if the fire is far away.

Smoke is made up of a complex mixture of gases and fine particles produced when wood and other organic materials burn. Fine particles (PM2.5) from wildfire smoke pose the biggest health threat to people. These microscopic particles can get into your eyes and respiratory system, whether you are outdoors or indoors. They can cause health problems such as burning eyes, runny nose, and illnesses such as bronchitis. Fine particles also can aggravate chronic heart and lung diseases, and are even linked to premature deaths in people with these conditions. If you are healthy, you’re usually not at a major risk from short-term exposures to smoke. Still, it’s a good idea to avoid breathing smoke – both outdoors and indoors – if you can help it.

Symptoms

Smoke can irritate the eyes and airways, causing coughing, a scratchy throat, irritated sinuses, headaches, stinging eyes or a runny nose. Individuals with heart or lung disease, such as congestive heart failure, angina, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, emphysema, or asthma may experience health effects earlier and at lower smoke levels than healthy people. People with heart disease might experience chest pain, palpitations, shortness of breath, or fatigue. Those with respiratory diseases may not be able to breathe as deeply or as vigorously as usual, and may experience symptoms such as coughing, phlegm, chest discomfort, wheezing and shortness of breath. When smoke levels are high enough, even healthy people may experience some of these symptoms.

Older adults are more likely to be affected by smoke, possibly because they are more likely to have heart or lung diseases than younger people. Children also are more susceptible to smoke because their respiratory systems are still developing, they breathe more air (and consequently more air pollution) per pound of body weight than adults, and they’re more likely to be active outdoors.

An older couple both wearing air filtering masks, and behind them partially obscured is a sign saying "SHELTER" and pointing to the right.

Do not rely on dust masks from the hardware store or bandanas for protection from smoke.

Wildfires create smoky conditions, but there are things you can do—indoors and out—to reduce your exposure to smoke. Children, older adults, and people with heart or lung disease are particularly susceptible to the health impacts of wildfire smoke, but it can also pose risks to healthy adults.

Reduce smoke exposure outdoors

If it’s smoky outdoors, it’s best to limit the amount of time you spend outside. Soot and fine particulates can cause coughing, wheezing, itchy eyes, runny nose, scratchy throat, and difficulty breathing.

Click image to view larger (source)

Reduce your physical activity outdoors.
Know your air quality. Smoke levels can change a lot during the day, so wait until air quality is better before you are active outdoors. Visit air.utah.gov or download the free UtahAir app for iPhone and Android for air-quality forecasts and current air-quality conditions.
Have enough food and medication on hand to last several days, so you don’t have to go out for supplies. If you must go out, avoid the smokiest times of the day.
Reduce smoke in your vehicle by closing the windows and vents and running the air conditioner in recirculate mode.
Do not rely on dust masks from the hardware store or bandanas for protection from smoke. If you must be out in smoky conditions, an N95 respirator can protect you if it fits snugly to your face and is worn properly.
Have a plan to evacuate. Know how you will get alerts and health warnings, including air-quality reports and public service announcements (PSAs). Public advisories can provide important information such as changing smoke conditions and evacuation notices. Know your evacuation routes, organize your important items ahead of time, and know where to go in case you have to evacuate.

Reduce smoke exposure indoors

If a wildfire is close enough to cause high smoke levels, but the fire is not threatening your home, fine particles from the smoke may still enter your home through open windows and doors, through bathroom or kitchen fans that vent to the outdoors, heating and air conditioning systems with a fresh air intake, and through small openings, joints, cracks, and around closed windows. Learn more about what to do in this situation and how to prepare for it, including making or purchasing an air cleaner or HVAC filter. If you don’t have the ability to filter air in your house, go to a local public building with air conditioning such as a movie theater, mall or library. Seek a local clean air shelter or stay at a friend or relative’s home away from smoke.

Particulate levels can still be high indoors if the fire is close, but they are still lower inside than outside. If there is an active fire in your area and it is very close to your house, it may be best to evacuate. Fires can spread quickly and the smoke plume can make it difficult to see in an evacuation. In addition, it can be nearly impossible to keep dense smoke from building up in the indoor air. Pay close attention to local emergency alerts to know when to evacuate.

Avoid using anything that burns, such as wood fireplaces, gas logs, gas stoves, or even candles.
Don’t vacuum, since it stirs up particles already inside homes.
Don’t smoke.
Follow the directions of your doctor regarding medication and asthma management plan. Call your doctor if symptoms worsen.
Talk with your personal physician about whether and when you should leave the area. When smoke is heavy for a prolonged period of time, fine particles can build up indoors even though they are not visible.

Vulnerable groups

If you have asthma or another respiratory disease, make sure you follow your healthcare provider’s directions about taking your medicines and following your asthma action plan. Have at least a five-day supply of medication on hand.
Call your healthcare provider if your symptoms worsen.
For individual concerns from specific smoke events, consult a medical professional.
If you have cardiovascular disease, follow your healthcare provider’s directions and call if your symptoms worsen.
If you think you are having a heart attack or stroke, dial 911.

Tips

Consider purchasing an indoor air cleaner before there is a fire--don't wait to make that decision. Room air cleaners can help reduce particle levels indoors as long as they are the right type and size for your rooms as specified by the manufacturer.
Don’t use an air cleaner that generates ozone. That just puts more pollution in your home.
Have a supply of N-95 or P-100 masks on hand, and learn how to use them correctly. They are sold at many hardware and home repair stores and online.
For more info and resources (including how to make a DIY box fan air cleaner), see EPA’s Wildfires and Indoor Air Quality (IAQ).

Prepare for evacuation

If there is an active fire in your area and it is very close to your house, it may be best to evacuate. Fires can spread quickly and the smoke plume can make it difficult to see in an evacuation. In addition, it can be nearly impossible to keep dense smoke from building up in the indoor air. Pay close attention to local emergency alerts to know when to evacuate. Leaving the area may be best for those with health conditions that put them at higher risk for illness.

Some evacuation centers do not accept animals. Check Petfinder’s Shelter Center or RedRover for information on local animal shelters and rescue groups.

Health impacts

Protect yourself