Wildfire Smoke Checker
Check your ZIP code's wildfire smoke exposure risk based on fire proximity, county fire history, and air quality data.
- Wildfire smoke risk score (0-100) based on fire proximity and history
- 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 — smoke risk score (0-100), nearest fire distance, county fire frequency, and air quality outlook.
- Review safety recommendations — air purifier guidance, N95 mask recommendations, and EPA AirNow monitoring tips.
Understanding Wildfire Smoke Risk
Wildfire smoke contains fine particulate matter (PM2.5) that can travel hundreds of miles from the fire source. Even areas far from active wildfires can experience hazardous air quality during fire season. The western United States faces the highest risk, but smoke events increasingly affect the Midwest and East Coast.
| Risk Level | Score Range | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| Low | 0 - 20 | Minimal wildfire history nearby. Air quality rarely impacted by smoke. Standard preparedness recommended. |
| Moderate | 21 - 50 | Some fire history in the region. Occasional smoke events possible during fire season. HEPA air purifier recommended. |
| High | 51 - 100 | Significant fire activity nearby. Regular smoke exposure during fire season. Air purifier essential; N95 masks recommended. |
Health Effects of Wildfire Smoke
Wildfire smoke is a complex mixture of gases and fine particles. PM2.5 particles are small enough to penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream. Short-term exposure can cause coughing, difficulty breathing, and eye irritation. Long-term or repeated exposure is linked to reduced lung function, cardiovascular problems, and increased mortality. Children, the elderly, pregnant women, and people with respiratory conditions are most vulnerable.
AQI Levels During Smoke Events
| AQI Range | Category | Action |
|---|---|---|
| 0 - 50 | Good | No precautions needed |
| 51 - 100 | Moderate | Sensitive groups should limit prolonged outdoor exertion |
| 101 - 150 | Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups | Reduce prolonged outdoor activity; run air purifier indoors |
| 151 - 200 | Unhealthy | Everyone should reduce outdoor activity; keep windows closed |
| 201 - 300 | Very Unhealthy | Avoid all outdoor activity; use N95 mask if going outside |
| 301+ | Hazardous | Stay indoors; seal windows and doors; run HEPA air purifier |
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 contains fine particulate matter (PM2.5) that easily penetrates buildings through gaps in doors, windows, and HVAC systems. The EPA has found that indoor PM2.5 levels can reach 50-70% of outdoor levels during smoke events without active filtration. Running a HEPA air purifier in a sealed room can reduce indoor PM2.5 by up to 80%.
What AQI level is dangerous for health?
The EPA Air Quality Index (AQI) considers levels above 150 "Unhealthy" for everyone, not just sensitive groups. Above 200 is "Very Unhealthy" and above 300 is "Hazardous," where all outdoor activity should be avoided. During the 2023 Canadian wildfire smoke events, several U.S. cities recorded AQI readings above 400. Sensitive groups (children, elderly, asthmatics) should limit outdoor activity when AQI exceeds 100.
Do HEPA air purifiers help with wildfire smoke?
Yes. True HEPA filters capture 99.97% of particles 0.3 microns and larger, which includes the PM2.5 particles in wildfire smoke. The EPA recommends using a portable HEPA air purifier sized for your room (check the CADR rating) in a sealed space with doors and windows closed. A DIY option is a box fan with a MERV-13 furnace filter taped to it, which studies show reduces PM2.5 by 60-80%.
Should I wear a mask during wildfire smoke events?
N95 and KN95 respirators are effective at filtering wildfire smoke particles when properly fitted. The CDC recommends N95 masks when AQI exceeds 200 and outdoor exposure is unavoidable. Surgical masks and cloth masks do not filter PM2.5 particles effectively. Make sure the mask seals tightly around the nose and chin with no gaps.
How far can wildfire smoke travel?
Wildfire smoke can travel thousands of miles from the fire source. During the 2023 Canadian wildfires, smoke reached as far as Europe, and cities like New York and Washington D.C. (over 1,000 miles from the fires) experienced hazardous AQI levels above 300. Wind patterns, fire intensity, and atmospheric conditions determine how far and how concentrated the smoke travels.
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
- EPA AirNow — Real-time air quality index (AQI) and PM2.5 monitoring data
Methodology
Smoke risk scores combine three factors: distance to nearest recent wildfire (weighted 40%), county fire frequency over the past 10 years (30%), and prevailing wind patterns that carry smoke from fire-prone regions (30%). Areas downwind of major fire-prone forests score higher even if local fire activity is low.