Wildfires significantly affect air quality, spreading pollutants across wide areas and impacting communities far from the flames. This poses serious health risks, particularly for vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and individuals with preexisting conditions.
To protect yourself and your loved ones, it’s essential to monitor local air quality maps and reports regularly, stay indoors with windows closed, and use air purifiers if available.
For the latest updates and detailed safety information, consult official sources like L.A. County Emergency Services and CAL FIRE.
Disclaimer: If you are near an active wildfire, prioritize your safety and follow all evacuation orders and guidance from local emergency officials.
❗ Please note: We’ve compiled this information to help support our community affected by these unprecedented wildfires. These details are changing quickly, and we strongly recommend checking directly with the linked sources for the most up-to-date information.
Table Of Contents
What should I do if the air quality is poor?
It is advised that when air quality is poor to stay indoors, get an air purifier, reduce emissions, and wear a mask if you must go outdoors. Here are more steps to protect yourself and your loved ones:
- Monitor Air Quality: Check AQI updates through apps or government websites.
- Stay Indoors: Keep windows and doors closed. Put water soaked towels around door and window ledges.
- Use Air Purifiers: Such as HEPA filters and DIY air purifiers with fans. Use air conditioners that recirculate air to filter out harmful particles.
- Wear Masks: Wear N95 masks outdoors to reduce inhalation of harmful particles.
- Limit Outdoor Activities: Avoid strenuous activities when air quality is poor.
- Keep Pets Inside: Avoid leaving your pets outdoors, especially at night. Pets should be brought into an indoor location, such as an enclosed garage or a house.
Free N95 masks available across L.A.
Free N95 masks are now available at all public L.A. City libraries, recreation centers, and senior centers courtesy of the City of Los Angeles.
Air quality maps and resources
Air quality maps:
More air quality resources:
- You can check the latest air quality data on AirNow, a government-run site on air quality data.
- L.A. County Emergency Services
- CAL FIRE
- PurpleAir
- Smoke Ready California on the California Air Resources Board
Why is wildfire smoke a concern?
Wildfire smoke is a mixture of small particles, gases, and water vapor. The primary health concern is that those small particles can cause burning eyes, runny nose, scratchy throat, headaches, and illnesses such as bronchitis. Sadly, people at higher risk may experience more severe effects.
Who is most at risk?
The California Air Resources Board states that the following groups are most sensitive and susceptible to poor air quality:
- Children and infants
- The elderly, specifically elderly women
- Pregnant women can be at increased risk of experiencing harmful effects from exposure to air pollution.
- People with pre-existing conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, lung disease including asthma
- Outdoor workers
When should one seek medical attention?
You should seek medical attention if you experience symptoms such as:
- Severe difficulty breathing
- Severe coughing
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing
- Chest pain
- Palpitations
- Nausea
- Unusual fatigue
- For life-threatening symptoms, call 911.
Written in collaboration with Sophie Len.