Coping with wildfire smoke

Our hearts go out to our families, friends, colleagues, and communities navigating the wildfires in Eastern Washington. As the air quality index (AQI) reaches Unhealthy and Very Unhealthy levels across the state, protecting your health is critical. We are here to support you with practical guidance to keep you and your loved ones safe during this difficult time.

Wildfire smoke contains small particles and harmful chemicals that can cause minor to serious health effects.

• Minor symptoms: eye irritation, sore throat, runny nose, headaches, wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath.

• Serious effects: triggering asthma attacks and worsening other lung conditions.

While smoke is unhealthy for everyone, some people are at higher risk of negative health effects: infants, children, pregnant people, older adults, and people with heart or lung disease, diabetes, or respiratory illnesses.

Call us (1-800-222-1222) with any questions or concerns with wildfire smoke and your health. If English is not your preferred language, we provide free interpretation in over 200 languages. 

Stay informed

• Check daily air quality and wildfire activity with the Washington State Smoke blog (available in Spanish).

• The Air Quality Index reports how clean or polluted the air is, and what that means for your health. The lower the number, the cleaner the air. High numbers mean more pollution and more health risks.

Adapted from the Washington Air Quality Guide for Particle Pollution, also available in Spanish, Arabic, Chinese Simplified, Chinese Traditional, Korean, Punjabi, Russian, Somali, Tagalog, Ukranian, Vietnamese

Minimize exposure

• Stay indoors whenever possible.
• If you go outside: only NIOSH-certified N95 respirators, P100 respirators, or KN95 masks will provide protection.
  • Cloth masks, surgical masks, and bandanas will not filter out smoke particles.
  • N95, P100, and KN95 masks all need a tight seal in order to be effective. Learn how to properly fit an N95 mask. 
  • Ask a healthcare provider before using masks on young children or people with chronic illnesses.

Learn more about using masks for wildfire smoke (also available in: Spanish).

Optimize indoor air

• Keep windows and doors closed.
• Improve filtration:
  • Build your own box fan filter or use a portable air cleaner with a HEPA or MERV 13 filter.
  • For HVAC systems, use the highest-rated filter your system can handle and set air to recirculate.
• Avoid activities that add particles: burning candles or incense, smoking, broiling or frying food, or vacuuming without a HEPA filter.
• If you can’t maintain clean indoor air, know where to go: friends or relatives’ homes, designated clean air centers, etc.
• If you’re driving, put your car’s air conditioning on recirculate.

Keep a plan for smoky days

• Refill essential medications, get groceries ahead of time, and stock up on any other needed supplies to limit your time outdoors in the smoke.
• Prep any specialized equipment, like a box fan filter.
• Create an evacuation plan that includes a cleaner air space.
• Know who to call for help, including us (1-800-222-1222).

Ease your symptoms

• Use artificial tear eye drops to relieve eye irritation.
• Keep yourself, family, pets, and livestock well hydrated. Store extra water for emergencies.
• Limit physical activity, especially if you are sensitive to smoke or if you have a lung and/or heart condition, such as asthma.
• Call us at 1-800-222-1222 for help with your specific health concerns related to smoke exposure. If English is not your preferred language, we provide free interpretation in over 200 languages. 

Explore additional strategies to protect yourself and your loved ones with the Washington State Department of Health’s resources.

Post-fire cleanup guidance

• View the Washington State Department of Health’s guidance on health effects and cleanup considerations after a fire.
• Call us at 1-800-222-1222 with health and safety questions or if someone is exposed to a potentially harmful substance when cleaning.