Wildfires & Smoke: What You Need to Know

Did you know that wildfire smoke can travel from coast to coast?

In 2020, smoke from the 2020 California wildfires rose into the atmospheric jet stream and traveled all the way to the East Coast and even parts of Europe, partially obscuring the sun and even noticeably lowering the temperature in some areas.

Just the mention of wildfires can make us feel some panic, but don’t worry. We’ve gathered all the info you need to know to feel prepared and equipped to protect your home’s air quality.

What Makes Wildfire Smoke Different?

Isn’t it just normal smoke in greater volumes?

Not exactly.

Wildland fires can scorch hundreds of acres at a time, burning not only the landscape but also everything on the land: houses, cars, litter, and waste. This creates particle pollution, also known as PM (particulate matter), which is a main component of wildfire smoke. Particle pollution can include sulfuric acid, ammonium sulfate, organic chemicals, soot, metals, and pollen—nothing you want hanging around in your air supply.

What Are the Health Effects of Wildfire Smoke?

There are studies to support an increase in cardiovascular and respiratory-related symptoms due to wildfire smoke exposure. According to the EPA, people may also experience headaches, coughing, irritated skin, and lightheadedness. To understand what groups are affected by different levels of air quality, check your local Air Quality Index (AQI).

Top 10 States Affected by Wildfires

Some you may have guessed; others may surprise you. According to Policygenius, the top 10 states affected by wildfires are:

California
Texas
Colorado
Arizona
Idaho
Washington
Oklahoma
Oregon
Montana
Utah

While it’s important for everyone to know the wildfire preparation guidelines and evacuation routes of their area, residents of these states should take particular care in creating a game plan.