Wildfire activity is running above last year’s pace.
As of July 12, 2026, nearly 39,000 wildfires have burned more than 3.57 million acres across the United States. At the same point in 2025, approximately 37,500 fires had burned 2.45 million acres. The National Interagency Coordination Center is currently operating at Preparedness Level 4, indicating significant wildfire activity and a high level of demand for firefighting resources.
Conditions can change quickly throughout the season. Dry vegetation, high temperatures, low humidity and strong winds can cause new fires to spread rapidly, while smoke may travel hundreds or even thousands of miles from the source.
Why Wildfire Smoke Is Dangerous
Wildfire smoke is a mixture of gases and fine particles produced by burning vegetation, buildings and other materials. The primary health concern is fine particulate matter known as PM2.5. These particles are small enough to travel deep into the lungs and may enter the bloodstream.
Smoke exposure can cause coughing, wheezing, difficulty breathing, chest tightness, eye irritation, headaches and fatigue. It can also aggravate asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and cardiovascular conditions. Children, older adults, pregnant people and those with existing heart or lung conditions may be especially vulnerable.
Because smoke conditions can change from hour to hour, monitor the Air Quality Index and the AirNow Fire and Smoke Map before exercising, traveling or spending extended time outside.
Understanding the Air Quality Index
The U.S. Air Quality Index, or AQI, ranges from 0 to 500. Higher values indicate greater levels of air pollution and increased health concern.
| 0–50: Good | Air quality is satisfactory and poses little or no risk. |
| 51–100: Moderate | Air quality is generally acceptable, although unusually sensitive individuals may experience symptoms. |
| 101–150: Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups | Sensitive groups may experience health effects. The general public is less likely to be affected. |
| 151–200: Unhealthy | Some members of the general public may experience health effects, while sensitive groups may experience more serious effects. |
| 201–300: Very Unhealthy | The risk of health effects is increased for everyone. |
| 301–500: Hazardous | Emergency conditions are more likely, and everyone should reduce exposure. |
Outdoor exercise increases your breathing rate and the amount of polluted air you inhale. When smoke is present, reduce the length and intensity of outdoor activity or move your workout indoors. Pay attention to symptoms even when the nearest monitor reports a lower AQI, since smoke concentrations can vary by location.
For current wildfire locations and national fire activity, visit the National Interagency Fire Center. For localized smoke and PM2.5 readings, use the AirNow Fire and Smoke Map.
Essential Gear for Wildfire Smoke and Evacuations
Respirator Masks
A well-fitting particulate respirator can reduce the amount of smoke particles you inhale when outdoor exposure cannot be avoided. Public-health agencies recommend a NIOSH-approved N95 or P100 respirator for wildfire smoke. Respirators must seal closely to the face and do not protect against gases, vapors or low-oxygen environments. Fit is critical to real-world performance.
Eye Protection
Smoke and windblown ash can irritate the eyes just as much as the lungs. A snug, single-paned goggle helps keep embers and fine particles away from your eyes when a respirator alone isn't enough.
Air Purifier
A properly sized portable air cleaner with a HEPA filter can reduce airborne particles inside your home. Choose a unit with a clean air delivery rate appropriate for the room where it will be used. The Coway Airmega HEPA air purifier is a quiet, compact option with replaceable filters.
Portable Air Quality Monitor
A portable monitor can provide localized PM2.5 readings when the nearest regulatory monitor is several miles away. Consumer sensors are useful for identifying trends but may not be as accurate as official regulatory monitors. The IQAir AirVisual Pro measures PM2.5 and can help you track changes in indoor and outdoor air quality.
Emergency Kit
Wildfires can lead to sudden evacuation orders, road closures and power outages. A packed emergency kit can help you leave quickly without searching for essential supplies. Each system below organizes emergency supplies for the first 72 hours, including water filtration, first aid, food, shelter, lighting and communication tools, packed in a water-resistant roll top backpack for faster evacuation.
How to Reduce Your Exposure to Wildfire Smoke
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Monitor local air quality.
- Check AirNow and local emergency alerts regularly. Smoke conditions can change quickly with the wind.
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Limit outdoor activity.
- When air quality is unhealthy, reduce strenuous outdoor activity and spend less time outside. Follow any additional guidance issued for sensitive groups.
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Create a cleaner-air room.
- Choose a room with few windows and doors. Keep it closed, avoid activities that create particles, and run a properly sized portable air cleaner.
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Keep smoke outside.
- Close windows and doors when outdoor air is smoky. If your HVAC system allows it, set it to recirculate and use the highest-efficiency filter the system can safely accommodate.
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Recirculate air in your vehicle.
- Keep windows closed and use the recirculation setting while driving through smoky areas.
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Avoid adding particles indoors.
- Do not smoke, burn candles, use a fireplace or vacuum without a HEPA-filtered vacuum during heavy smoke. Limit frying and other cooking methods that produce airborne particles.
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Know when to seek help.
- Move to cleaner air and contact a healthcare professional if you experience persistent coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, chest pain or worsening heart or lung symptoms. Call 911 for severe difficulty breathing or other medical emergencies.
Keep Drones Away From Wildfires
Unauthorized drones near a wildfire can force firefighting aircraft to suspend operations. This can delay water and retardant drops while putting pilots, crews and people on the ground at risk.
Never fly a recreational drone near an active wildfire or within a temporary flight restriction. Remember the National Interagency Fire Center’s warning: if you fly, they can’t.
Wildfire conditions and smoke impacts vary throughout the season. Follow evacuation instructions from local authorities, keep your emergency supplies accessible and use current official information when making decisions.
Fire statistics updated July 13, 2026, using data published by the National Interagency Fire Center. Header image provided by Public Health — Seattle & King County.
