Wildland Fires and Smoke

Smoke from wildland fires can degrade air quality in the United States. EPA, the U.S. Forest Service, and other federal, state and local agencies and organizations are working together to share ways that you can help protect your health from wildland fire smoke. You can use the resources on this page to prepare for and protect yourself from wildland fire smoke. 

On this page:

• Wildland Fire Basics 
• AirNow Resources
• Wildland Fire Smoke and Indoor Air Quality
• Wildfire and Smoke Research

---

Wildland Fire Basics

What is a wildland fire? 

A wildland fire is any fire that occurs in an area where there is little to no human activity or development. These areas can include forests, shrublands, grasslands, or wetlands. 

 Wildland fires include: 

• Wildfires, which are unplanned and can be started naturally – such as by lightning or volcanoes – or through accidental or unauthorized actions by humans. 

• Prescribed fires, which are planned fires ignited by experts, are used for several beneficial objectives, including reducing fuels to limit the size of future wildfires. 

While everyone can be affected by wildland fire smoke, healthy people are usually not at a major risk from wildland fire smoke. However, people with heart or lung disease, older adults, children and teenagers, and people who are more likely to be exposed are at increased risk of experiencing health effects. There is evidence that pregnant women and those who have limited access to measures to reduce their exposure also may be at greater risk of health impacts. Symptoms may include burning eyes, runny nose, and illnesses such as bronchitis. 

---

AirNow Resources

What is the AirNow Fire and Smoke Map?

EPA and the U.S. Forest Service develop the AirNow Fire and Smoke Map to provide the public with information on fire locations, smoke plumes, near real-time air quality, Smoke Outlooks and actions people can take to protect their health — all in one place. 

EPA and the Forest Service work to continuously improve the map and the data it displays.  

You can view the Fire and Smoke Map online or by tapping the smoke icon on the bottom right of the AirNow mobile app. 

What is the U.S. Air Quality Index?

The U.S. Air Quality Index is EPA's color-coded tool for communicating about outdoor air quality and health. When you know the AQI in your area, you can take steps to protect your health. Look up your area's AQI today! EPA issues an AQI for five pollutants: particle pollution, ozone, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide. You can see your current air quality and forecast for ozone and particle pollution on the AirNow.gov website, or in the free AirNow smartphone app. 

Is there a resource that will help me explain how wildfires impact air quality and health to children? 

Yes! Check out Why is Coco Red? 

Children’s lungs are still growing and developing, so they are especially vulnerable to wildfire smoke.

Why is Coco Red? is a picture book for children. Read how Coco, his little sister and his friends solve a mystery as they learn about how wildfires can affect air quality and health. This book is for all children, especially those with asthma, and their caretakers.

Visit AirNow to read Why is Coco Red? in Spanish, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Korean, Navajo, Tagalog, and Vietnamese. The Why is Coco Red? video is available on YouTube in English or Spanish. 

Where should I go for wildfire and smoke information?

• Visit AirNow’s Wildfires page to learn what to do before, during and after a wildfire. 

• Check the AirNow Fire and Smoke Map for up-to-date air quality information. 

• Download the AirNow App and use it to check the AirNow Fire and Smoke Map. 

• Sign up for alerts: check with your state or local or Tribal air quality agency to find out how you can sign up for local air quality alerts. 

• Check for Smoke Outlooks. 

• Visit EPA’s Smoke-Ready Toolbox for a full list of wildfire-related resources. 

---