Smoke From Fires

During a wildfire smoke event, residents are encouraged to check air quality regularly and follow the guidelines associated with air quality levels. There are many platforms now reporting air quality, but may of these sites are using monitors at great distances from your community and may not be using data that has been converted to EPA standards. Bookmark the sites below for the most reliable information.

Air Now Fire and Smoke Map

 AirNow.gov has the most monitoring locations throughout Montana in addition to a fire and smoke map. The map also alerts you if a Smoke Forecast Outlook has been issued in your area over the next few days. The AirNow.com widget can be downloaded to your phone or computer.

Today's Air

The Montana Department of Environmental Quality provides air quality readings and activity recommendations based on data from monitoring stations placed around the state. In addition to the Today's Air website, DEQ houses a Smoke Forecast page which includes links to state and national resources related to wild fire smoke and public health. 

Using Visibility to Estimate Air Quality

If a local monitor is not available to you, pay attention to visibility. Deteriorating visibility indicates worsening conditions. In general, if visibility is less than three miles, the air quality is unhealthy for sensitive groups. If visibility is less than a mile, the air is unhealthy for everyone.

Outdoor Air Quality and Activity Guidelines 
General Public: Outdoor Activity Guidelines Based on Air Quality
These guidelines are based on the amount of time spent outdoors in different levels of air quality, from good to hazardous. Activity guidelines are available in Spanish, Russian and Ukrainian in the Wildfire Smoke Response Toolkit or may be obtained by emailing AirQuality@mt.gov.

Why do we worry about the health impacts of wildfire smoke?

Wildfire smoke contains a slew of harmful particulate matter (PM) gases and chemicals. The smallest particles, those less than 2.5 microns in size (PM2.5) are especially harmful to one's health, as these particles are so tiny they can travel into the bloodstream when inhaled, impacting other parts of the body than just the lungs. Everyone is impacted when exposed to wildfire smoke, but sensitive populations may experience health impacts sooner when exposed to lower concentrations of smoke.

Health Effects of Wildfire Smoke

Most Vulnerable Populations to Wildfire Smoke

What to Know About Wildfire Smoke Effects on Young Children

What to Know About Wildfire Smoke and Pregnancy

Training Considerations for Athletes During a Wildfire Smoke Event

Smoke and your Health- DPHHS Recommendations
This resource includes 7 tips that the general public can follow to stay healthy and avoid prolonged exposure to harmful wildfire smoke. Also, check out the "Frequently Asked Questions" section on how to keep your family healthy.

Wildfire Smoke Employee Protection
Simple steps employers and employees can take to protect their health during wildfire smoke events.  

Wildfire smoke isn't just an outdoor problem. Recent studies have shown that when outdoor air quality is unhealthy, air in our homes, schools, and businesses will also become unhealthy. It is still recommended that you stay inside for two reasons: 1) because usually, activity levels drop when we are indoors, which will slow down breathing rates and reduce particle exposure, and 2) there are several steps we can take to keep indoor air clean. 

images of a checklist of what to do before and during a wildfire smoke event

It is best to begin steps to protect your indoor air before a wildfire smoke event occurs. Those steps begin with becoming familiar with the EPA's Fire and Smoke Map. This website reports current air quality, air quality forecasts, and current information about the fires affecting air quality in your area. Then, take the following steps:

1. Seal Cracks in doors and windows
2. Purchase a HEPA Air Cleaner or make a Do-It-Yourself Box Fan Filter.
3. Make sure you have several days' worth of medical supplies.
4. Identify a room in your home where you and your family can spend most of your time when you can't clean the air in your entire house. 

During a smoke event, follow the Fire and Smoke Map recommendations for outdoor activities. Most days will have a window of time when air quality is in a healthier range, allowing you to open the windows and get outside. When you are advised to sta indoors, take the following steps:

1. Keep doors and windows closed.
2. Run your HEPA Air Cleaner(s) or a DIY Box Fan filter. If you only have one, leave it in the room where you spend most of your time. 
3. Avoid adding to poor indoor air quality by stovetop cooking, burning candles, smoking, or vacuuming (this can kick up smoke particles).
4. If you have air conditioning, replace your furnace filter with a MERV 13 filter or higher if your system will allow. If not, make sure the filter in your system is clean. Change your air conditioning settings to recirculate.

If you are without air conditioning and are also experiencing a heat event, cool the house with fans. If necessary, open the windows to cool the house at night. Then shut the windows and run the HEPA air cleaners and or DIY Box fan filter to clean the air. 

 EPA Best Practices Guide for Improving Indoor Air in Public Spaces During a Wildfire Smoke Event 

HEPA Air Filters
Guide to Buying a HEPA Air Purifier
HEPA Air Purifiers in Schools

Want to share information to help your community safe during a wildfire event?  Montana DPHHS has partnered with Montana State Library's Lifetime Learning Program to provide a collection of social media resources you can use. Images are available with DPHHS branding or without. Feel free to download the unbranded image and add your own!

Social Media Content

Schools and Childcare Facilities: Outdoor Activity Guidelines Based on Air Quality
These recommendations for outdoor activities were developed by the Montana Department of Public Health and the Montana Department of Environmental Quality and approved by the Montana Office of Public Instruction. The guidelines are based on the amount of time spent outdoors in different levels of air quality, from good to hazardous. Instructions on how to use the guidelines and read the Today's Air website can be found on the of this resource. Health risk categories are the same as the general guidelines, but activity recommendations may vary.