Wildfire Smoke Checker
Screen historical wildfire conditions for your ZIP code using FEMA wildfire risk and proximity to recorded significant fires.
- Historical wildfire score (0-100) based on FEMA risk and recorded-fire proximity
- Nearest wildfire distance and county fire frequency data
- Air purifier recommendations and EPA AirNow monitoring guidance
How This Tool Works
- Enter your ZIP code - we look up wildfire incident data, fire proximity, and county fire history for your area.
- Get your risk assessment - a historical wildfire score (0-100), nearest recorded significant-fire distance, and five-year county fire count.
- Review safety recommendations - air purifier guidance, N95 mask recommendations, and EPA AirNow monitoring tips.
Understanding the Historical Wildfire Score
The score describes FEMA county wildfire risk and proximity to recorded significant fires. Smoke can travel far from a fire, so distance alone does not establish current air quality. AirNow provides separate live smoke and AQI conditions.
| Risk Level | Score Range | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| Very Low Risk | 0 - 9 | Very low combined FEMA wildfire risk and recorded-fire proximity. This is not a guarantee of clean current air. |
| Low | 10 - 24 | Low combined FEMA wildfire risk and recorded-fire proximity. Distant smoke can still affect current air quality. |
| Moderate | 25 - 44 | Moderate combined FEMA wildfire risk and recorded-fire proximity. Check AirNow for current smoke conditions. |
| High | 45 - 64 | High combined FEMA wildfire risk and recorded-fire proximity. This does not establish current smoke exposure. |
| Very High Risk | 65 - 100 | Very high combined FEMA wildfire risk and recorded-fire proximity. Current smoke still requires live monitoring. |
Health Effects of Wildfire Smoke
EPA's Wildfire Smoke Guide explains that fine particles are the principal public-health concern in smoke and can affect the lungs and heart. People with heart or lung disease, older adults, children, pregnant people, and other at-risk groups may need additional precautions. Use current AirNow and local health guidance during a smoke event.
AQI Levels During Smoke Events
| AQI Range | Category | Action |
|---|---|---|
| 0 - 50 | Good | Little or no air-pollution risk; check current conditions if smoke is present |
| 51 - 100 | Moderate | Unusually sensitive people may consider reducing prolonged or heavy exertion |
| 101 - 150 | Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups | Sensitive groups should reduce prolonged or heavy exertion; follow AirNow guidance |
| 151 - 200 | Unhealthy | Sensitive groups should avoid prolonged or heavy exertion; everyone else should reduce it |
| 201 - 300 | Very Unhealthy | Sensitive groups should avoid outdoor physical activity; everyone else should avoid prolonged or heavy exertion |
| 301+ | Hazardous | Follow current AirNow and local public-health instructions for emergency conditions |
Protect your home with a HEPA air purifier and keep N95 masks on hand for fire season.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How does wildfire smoke affect indoor air quality?
Wildfire smoke can enter buildings through openings and ventilation. EPA training materials report that, with doors and windows closed and no portable cleaner, indoor PM2.5 is often around 55% to 60% of outdoor levels during smoke events. Actual infiltration varies by building and conditions.
What AQI level is dangerous for health?
AirNow defines AQI 0-50 as Good, 51-100 as Moderate, 101-150 as Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups, 151-200 as Unhealthy, 201-300 as Very Unhealthy, and 301 or higher as Hazardous. Use the current AirNow activity guidance because appropriate actions depend on the category and the person.
Do HEPA air purifiers help with wildfire smoke?
A HEPA filter is tested to remove at least 99.97% of particles at 0.3 microns, the most penetrating test size; larger and smaller particles are generally captured more efficiently. Whole-device performance still depends on airflow and room size. EPA recommends choosing a portable cleaner with a tobacco-smoke CADR appropriate for the room and avoiding ozone-producing devices.
Should I wear a mask during wildfire smoke events?
A well-fitting N95 respirator can provide protection from wildfire-smoke particles when outdoor exposure cannot be avoided. AirNow does not set one universal AQI threshold for wearing it. Check current AirNow and local public-health guidance, and follow the respirator instructions for fit and use.
How far can wildfire smoke travel?
Smoke transport depends on fire emissions, weather, terrain, and atmospheric conditions. Distance to a recorded fire alone cannot predict smoke at a ZIP code. This tool does not model wind or current smoke; use the AirNow Fire and Smoke Map for current conditions.
Data Sources & Methodology
Data Sources
- NIFC Wildfire Incidents — National Interagency Fire Center wildfire incident locations and acreage
- FEMA National Risk Index — County-level wildfire risk scores and expected loss data
Methodology
The score uses a 70% FEMA National Risk Index county wildfire-risk component and a 30% proximity component. Proximity contributes up to 20 points from the nearest recorded fire of at least 100 acres and up to 10 density points from recorded fires within 100 km. County fire count displays the most recent five-year count but is not a separate weighted factor.