Air Quality and Emergencies

Wildfires

Smoke from wildfires can affect the air that you breathe. Use these resources to protect your family’s health if there’s a wildfire in your area.

• Choosing and fitting respirators to reduce exposure to wildfire smoke
• Fires: Current Conditions (AirNow)
• Prescribed Fires and Air Quality
• National Weather Service Air Quality Forecast
• Wildfire Smoke: A Guide for Public Health Officials [PDF – 1.91 MB]
• Wildfires: Emergency Preparedness and Response
• Wildfires: Information for Pregnant Women and Parents of Young Infants
• Wildfires: What YOU Need to Know (Public Health Matters Blog)

Volcanoes

When volcanoes erupt, they release ash and harmful gases that can make it hard to breathe. Find out how to stay safe during and after a volcanic eruption.

• Key Facts About Protecting Yourself During a Volcanic Eruption
• Key Facts About Protecting Yourself After a Volcanic Eruption

Learn more about substances that can be released into the air during a volcanic eruption:

• Ammonia
• Fluorides, Hydrogen Fluoride, and Fluorine
• Sulfur Dioxide
• Vanadium