A recent study in the US showed that wildfires are causing more than 40,000 premature deaths per year — and that rising temperatures will lead to even more. To give some context, wildfire smoke is now killing more people each year than traffic crashes. However, there are still several ways to protect and prepare yourself from wildfire smoke.
Key points:
- A study by the DRI found that extreme wildfire risk will increase by an average of 10 days across the continental U.S. by the end of the century
- Over the past two decades, extreme wildfires have more than doubled globally
- Wildfire smoke contains fine particulate matter (PM₂.₅) that can penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream, often carrying toxic compounds such as benzene, formaldehyde, and heavy metals.
Wildfire smoke and red skies in San Francisco
A Cautionary Tale
Sarah had just moved across the country for a new job. Like a lot of parents, her dad, John, was worried about her. He was afraid Sarah's beloved dog would trigger asthma attacks in her tiny San Francisco apartment. Little did he know, a much larger threat loomed. Soon, San Francisco would have some of the worst air quality in the world. The devastating 2018 Camp Fire made all of Northern California especially dangerous for anyone with breathing conditions like asthma. Luckily, the Alen air purifier John ordered for Sarah arrived just before the smoke.
"The BreatheSmart 45i has made my daughter's apartment a comfortable and breathable refuge from the smoke and ash. Thanks.” -John G.
Unfortunately, stories like these are becoming very common. With the science pointing to more frequent and severe wildfires, the need for protection will only continue to grow.
Is Breathing Wildfire Smoke Dangerous?
Each wildfire season, as the world's worst air quality returns to the Northwest, many face breathing threats similar to Sarah’s. Wildfire smoke contains an array of harmful fine particles and chemicals that endanger people near fires. But you don’t even have to be close to a wildfire to find yourself in harm’s way. Just being downwind from forest fire smoke can cause problems, and the effects can travel hundreds and even thousands of miles. Smoke from Western wildfires is causing pollution 3,000 miles away on the East Coast.
For that reason, we’ve listed a few important ways to fight smoke's worst effects. But first, let’s look at what makes wildfire smoke so hazardous.
A Warming Climate: The Importance of Good Air Quality
Scientists all over the world are sounding the alarm about the increasing threat of wildfires. Over the past two decades, it has been documented that extreme wildfires have more than doubled globally, and multiple studies show that climate change is driving warmer, drier conditions, leading to longer and more intense fire seasons. Furthermore, wildfires only fuel climate change as they devastate vast landscapes, forests, and communities, releasing enormous amounts of carbon dioxide.
A study by the DRI found that extreme wildfire risk will increase by an average of 10 days across the continental U.S. by the end of the century, driven largely by increased temperatures.
People all over the world are beginning to realize how vulnerable we all are when the air we breathe turns toxic. The lesson is clear: protecting ourselves from the health impacts of wildfire smoke is no longer optional. It’s a critical part of adapting to a changing climate, where fire activity is expected to become more frequent and severe.
Hotter Temperatures → Drier Landscapes → More Frequent & Intense Wildfires → Increased Wildfire Smoke & CO₂ Emissions (=Decreased Air Quality)→ More Greenhouse Gases = More Global Warming → 🔁 The Cycle Continues
Is Breathing Wildfire Smoke Dangerous?
Can smoke from a fire be dangerous to your health? In short, yes. Wildfires release large amounts of smoke and harmful particles into the air, which can trigger asthma attacks, worsen respiratory illnesses, and pose risks even to healthy individuals.
These tiny particles penetrate deep into the lungs and sometimes carry dangerous chemicals that put people and the environment at risk. Scientists warn that wildfire smoke may be even more hazardous than pollution from power plants or industrial activities because fires can burn through soils containing heavy metals like lead and chromium. When flames sweep through urban areas, they can also ignite plastics and other toxic materials, releasing fumes that threaten the health of firefighters, homeowners, and entire communities.
According to the CDC, the following populations are at heightened risk and should take extra precautions to limit exposure to wildfire smoke:
- Children, pregnant women, elderly individuals, and people who are sensitive to air pollution
- The immunocompromised or anyone taking immune system-suppressing drugs
- Anyone with chronic health conditions, such as heart or lung disease, including asthma and diabetes
Is it worse to breathe cigarette smoke or wildfire smoke?
Some scientists compare high wildfire smoke exposure to smoking several cigarettes a day, but they caution that it may actually be more toxic than a cigarette in many contexts. Research has shown that smoke from wildfire activities is uniquely dangerous because it carries extremely tiny particles that can penetrate deep into the lungs or even enter the bloodstream. These airborne particles are far more insidious than many realize: they can trigger asthma attacks, weaken immune responses, and raise risks of strokes, heart attacks, and even cancer.
Smoke particles visible in macro photography
Smoke Inhalation Symptoms
- Common Short-Term Symptoms: Eye and sinus irritation, respiratory symptoms, headaches, fatigue, dizziness, nausea.
- More Serious Short-Term Symptoms (Seek Medical Attention if Severe): Severe respiratory symptoms (like chest pain or shortness of breath), irregular heartbeat, fatigue, confusion, fainting or seizures (in cases of severe smoke inhalation)
- Potential Long-Term Health Effects: Chronic respiratory issues, cardiovascular disease, increased mortality, adverse birth outcomes, mental health issues
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), fine particulate matter (PM₂.₅) is the most dangerous component of wildfire smoke. These microscopic particles are small enough to penetrate deep into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream, triggering a wide range of health problems.
Short-term exposure can cause eye and throat irritation, coughing, runny nose, chest discomfort, fatigue, and shortness of breath. For people with asthma, heart disease, or other chronic conditions, even brief exposure can worsen symptoms and increase the risk of hospitalization or premature death.
Wildfire smoke also carries volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and toxic gases, including benzene, acrolein, and formaldehyde. These chemicals can remain suspended in the air long after the fire subsides and may lead to headaches, dizziness, or nausea. Prolonged exposure has been linked to reduced lung function, cardiovascular stress, and increased mortality.
The health impacts extend beyond vulnerable groups. While children, older adults, pregnant individuals, and people with respiratory or heart conditions are most at risk, anyone can experience harmful effects when air quality reaches unhealthy levels.
Three Ways to Be Ready for Wildfires
Staying prepared can protect your health, your home, and your family when smoke and fire threaten your community. From signing up for emergency alerts to creating a family evacuation plan and setting up a clean room with a tested air purifier, these three steps will help you be ready before the next smoky time period begins.
1. Sign Up for Emergency Alerts
- FEMA Wireless Emergency Alerts — FEMA works with US cell phone carriers to send free emergency texts to cell phones (that can get text messages) within range.
- Emergency Alert System — A public warning system that uses existing TV, radio, cable, and other systems to send critical messages to the general public. Messages are local or national, depending on the situation.
- NOAA Weather Radio — A nationwide network of radio stations broadcasting continuous weather information directly from the nearest National Weather Service office. NWR broadcasts official Weather Service warnings, watches, forecasts, and other hazard information 24/7.
- AirNow.gov — For quick and accurate local air quality index reports, this website, run by the EPA and NOAA, provides current fire and smoke data.
2. Develop a Family Emergency Plan
- Find your community's evacuation plans and several ways to leave the area
- Gather emergency supplies
- Have fire extinguishers on hand
3. Create What the EPA Calls a Clean Room
- Choose a room with as few windows as possible, such as a bedroom, and equip it with an air purifier for wildfire smoke.
- Always keep the doors and windows closed to prevent smoke from getting in.
- Avoid activities that create smoke or other particles indoors, such as smoking, burning candles, using aerosols, etc.
How to Keep Wildfire Smoke Out of the House
If you are vulnerable to smoke pollutants and smoke particulates, our top recommendation is to run an air purifier for wildfire smoke to safely remove smoke from your house. However, there are a couple of other ways you can protect your air quality at home:
Upgrade Your HVAC Filter to a Higher MERV Rating
For household heating and air conditioning system filters, MERV rating stands for the Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value and measures filtration ability. An average filter has a MERV rating of around 8. The EPA recommends filters with a MERV rating of 13 or higher, if your system can accommodate it.
However, it is important to remember that your home's HVAC system will not filter out the smallest particles. These ultrafine particles pose the greatest health risk, as they can travel deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream.
Make Your Home More Air-Tight
The primary goal during wildfire smoke events is to limit the infiltration of outdoor air while maintaining safe evacuation readiness. Mechanical ventilation systems, such as bathroom or kitchen exhaust fans, should be turned off since they create negative pressure that can draw smoky air indoors. If your HVAC system or window air conditioner includes a fresh air or outdoor intake setting, close or disable it to prevent additional smoke entry.
In areas experiencing unhealthy or hazardous air quality, seal gaps and openings around doors, windows, and vents using temporary materials such as painter’s tape or plastic sheeting. These measures help reduce indoor smoke exposure until conditions improve or evacuation becomes necessary.
Choosing the Best Air Purifier For Wildfire Smoke
Public health experts recommend using a HEPA air purifier that's the right size for your space and running it 24/7 on its highest fan setting. Alen has top-rated purifiers and smoke filters with proven wildfire smoke protection for a variety of spaces—backed by our exclusive Forever Guarantee.
Each Alen air purifier features a HEPA H13 filter designed to capture fine particles, including ash, soot, and smoke residue. Users can upgrade to a filter that combines HEPA filtration with activated carbon to also absorb volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and odors released during wildfires. Designed for quiet, efficient operation, Alen purifiers provide continuous clean air without disrupting daily routines.
Coverage: 950 - 1,900 sq ft App Controlled: Yes From:
$449.00
BreatheSmart 45i
Protecting Air Quality: Why Customers Trust Alen Against Wildfire Smoke
As wildfire activities intensify globally, the need for reliable indoor protection has never been greater. At Alen, all air purifiers undergo rigorous performance tests and particle removal tests to ensure they deliver clean air, even for extra-large spaces. With smart features like auto mode and app control, long-lasting filters (like the HEPA and activated carbon filters), and whisper-quiet operations, Alen products help families breathe easier during the wildfire season.
While the performance data speaks for itself, thousands of five-star customer reviews highlight how Alen purifiers provide reliable protection and comfort during wildfire season. Here are a few examples from recent years:
"Without this air purifier, my husband would have been hospitalized during the Southern California wildfires. The air was unbreathable outside and even inside our neighbor's house, but the 45i kept our air pure and clean. I love the light that tells you when the air is clear, and the unit could not be easier to use. Well worth every penny." — Linda B.
“I am so glad I brought 75i. I live in Southern California and due to the active fires near the air quality is poor. But not inside my house because the air purifier makes the air inside fresh. It lets me know the different air quality by the color indicator and works to purify the air. This is one my best purchases.” — Rachel K.
“This is our second Alen BreatheSmart 75i. We bought the original 2 years ago as well as a model 45i. We have had lots of fire smoke issues over the last 2 years and these air purifiers have really improved the quality of the air in our home and the quality of our lives.” — Marsha M.
“Essential for anyone in fire country. Our rural mountain town in central WA can have horrific air quality in fire season. This filter makes the difference between me staying in my place of work or home or physically evacuating the valley. Very good quality.” — Heather M.
