Learn more about the effects of wildfire smoke on health

The risk

  • Smoke travels far: Even smoke from distant wildfires can worsen Truckee-Tahoe’s air quality, often without us realizing it quickly.
  • Hazardous particles: Fine soot penetrate deep into lungs and bloodstream, triggering respiratory and cardiovascular issues.
  • Short and long-term effects: Acute exposure causes coughing, throat irritation, wheezing, and exacerbation of asthma/COPD. Long-term or repeated exposure can increase risks for lung disease, heart problems, and even diminished lifespan.

Who’s vulnerable?

  • Children and infants
  • Older adults
  • Pregnant individuals
  • People with lung or heart conditions, including asthma or COPD
  • Outdoor workers, athletes, and pets
  • Adults with low immune response or sensitivities

Hi everybody. I’m Dr. Brian Evans, the chief medical officer here at Tahoe Forest Health System. Wildfires have unfortunately become part of our lives. And when there’s smoke, it can cause pretty serious health effects on us. And so I want to talk a little bit about how to prevent problems associated with these wildfire smoke events and really just keeping yourselves healthy and safe.

So even if you’re far from the flames, the wildfire smoke can still really irritate your eyes, your lungs, your skin. And it’s particularly the case for anyone who has underlying medical condition such as asthma, COPD, heart disease, that sort of thing. So the first thing obviously if there is a lot of wildfire smoke in the area, you want to try to limit your exposure to that. Stay indoors if you possibly can when the air quality is poor. Keep your windows and doors closed and use air filters or these portable air purifiers if they’re available. It’s important actually nowadays to really track how the air quality is doing. And there’s a variety of ways to do that. There’s actually apps for your phone that are free, such as Purple Air. That’s the one that I use and you can get a pretty good sense of what’s going on in your neighborhood based on some of those sensor readings and make decisions about when to avoid going outside. If you do have to go outside, I would recommend if it’s a very smoky situation that N95 masks are preferable to just cloth or surgical masks, but you really want to limit exposure as much as you can. And if you do start to have symptoms, that should be a warning to get inside and get out of the smoke as quickly as you can.

Symptoms like coughing, wheezing, certainly if you have any shortness of breath or chest discomfort, those are situations where you absolutely want to seek medical care right away. Come and see us and we’ll check you out. Children, older adults, and again, like I said before, people with medical conditions are the ones who really need to watch out for yourself if you fall into one of those categories, and watch out for your family members and friends as well on these very smoky days. Check on your neighbors and loved ones. These wildfires, they can be very unpredictable, but protecting your health shouldn’t be. So, really take
good care of yourselves out there, stay informed, limit exposure, and know when to get help. We’re here if you need us. Thank you so much.

Protect yourself

1. Check the air quality

2. Limit outdoor exposure

  • When AQI is 101+ (unhealthy), minimize outdoor time, especially activities that involve heavy breathing like hiking or biking.
  • Consider indoor exercise or clean-air recreation at places like TFHS facilities.

3. Create a clean indoor space

  • Keep doors and windows closed. Set HVAC or A/C to “recirculate” mode
  • Use HEPA purifiers or install a MERV 13 filter in your HVAC.
  • Avoid indoor smoke sources, like smoking, candles, gas/wood stoves, or aerosol sprays.

4. Mask-up when needed

  • Only use NIOSH‑certified N95 or P100 respirators when outdoor exposure is necessary.
  • Cloth/surgical masks don’t filter PM.
    • Ensure proper fit—tight seal around nose/mouth.
    • Avoid if facial hair breaks the seal.

5. Stay hydrated and healthy

  • Drink plenty of water to hydrate airways and help clear particulates.
  • Rest indoors if you experience coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, or fatigue.

6. Special precautions for pets

  • Keep pets inside during smoky conditions.
  • Reduce their outdoor time and limit strenuous play.
parent and child holding hands watching wildfire smoke

Warning signs

  • Mild symptoms: coughing, sore throat, watery/itchy eyes, mild shortness of breath
  • Severe signs: chest pain, dizziness, persistent coughing, increased breathing difficulty, wheezing, disorientation — especially in vulnerable people

If symptoms worsen or do not improve, see your primary care provider or go to Tahoe Forest Hospital ER. If it’s an emergency, Call 911 or dial (530) 587‑6011.

Resources

woman holding mask to face

Checklist

  • Check current AQI before heading out.
  • Wear N95/P100 mask when outdoors if AQI is unhealthy.
  • Set HVAC to recirculate, use HEPA/MERV-13 filters.
  • Keep windows and doors closed.
  • Drink water and monitor symptoms.
  • Watch kids, elders, and pets closely.
  • Know when to seek medical help.

What to know before visiting: Visit Truckee-Tahoe Wildfire Season Guide