Air Quality Resources for Wildfire Smoke

Wildfires from neighboring states and provinces can impact our air quality when smoke drifts

into our area. Resource guides, factsheets, and graphics are included below with information

on how to protect yourself and loved ones during episodes of wildfire smoke.

Fine particles are respiratory irritants, and exposures to high concentrations can cause persistent cough, phlegm, wheezing, and difficulty breathing. Exposures to fine particles can also affect healthy people, causing respiratory symptoms, transient reductions in lung function, and pulmonary inflammation.

Particulate matter may also affect the body’s ability to remove inhaled foreign materials, such as pollen and bacteria, from the lungs.

Short-term exposure (i.e., days to weeks) to fine particles, a major component of smoke, are associated with increased risk of premature mortality and aggravation of pre-existing respiratory and cardiovascular disease.

Wildfire Smoke Guide, A Guide for Public Health Officials, revised 2019

Reducing Wildfire Smoke Exposure for Children

PDF Factsheet: Protecting Children from Wildfire Smoke and Ash

Link: Protecting Children from Wildfire Smoke and Ash

Create a Clean Air Space

PDF Factsheet: Reduce Your Smoke Exposure

Link: How to Create a Clean Air Room

Video: Creating a Clean Room with a Portable Air Cleaner or a Box Fan

Link: Ways to Protect Yourself from Wildfire Smoke

Youtube Video: Box Fan Filter – A DIY Users Guide Colvlle Tribe’s Air Quality Program

Protect Your Pets from Wildfire Smoke

PDF Factsheet: Protect Your Pets from Wildfire Smoke

PDF Factsheet: Protect Your Large Animals and Livestock from Wildfire Smoke

Link: American Kennel Club (AKC) – How do Wildfires and Smoke Affect Dogs?

Link: Oregon State University – Animal Exposure to Wildfire Smoke

Wildfire Smoke & Your Health

PDF Factsheet: Protect Your Health During Wildfires

Link: EPA – How Smoke from Fires can Affect Your Health

Monitoring Air Quality and Wildfires

Other Links

Return to the Mashkiiziibii Natural Resource Department’s Air Office webpage.

For contact information, please see the Natural Resources department contact list on the department home page.