As wildfires become more frequent due to climate change and drier conditions, more of us and more of our communities are at risk for harm. Here is information to help you prepare and protect yourself and your family.How does wildfire smoke affect air quality?Wildfire smoke contributes greatly to poor air quality. Just like fossil fuel pollution from burning coal, oil, and gas, wildfires create hazardous gases and tiny particles of varying sizes (known as particulate matter, or PM10, PM2.5, PM0.1) that are harmful to breathe. Wildfire smoke also contains other toxins that come from burning buildings and chemical storage.The smoke can travel to distant regions, carried by weather patterns and jet streams.How does wildfire smoke affect our health?The small particles in wildfire smoke are the most worrisome to our health. When we breathe them in, these particles can travel deep into the lungs and sometimes into the bloodstream.The health effects of wildfire smoke include eye irritation, coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing. The smoke may also increase risk for respiratory infections like COVID-19. Other possible serious health effects include heart failure, heart attacks, and strokes.Who needs to be especially careful?Those most at risk from wildfire smoke include children, older adults, outdoor workers, and anyone who is pregnant or who has heart or lung conditions.If you have a chronic health condition, talk to your doctor about how the smoke might affect you. Find out what symptoms should prompt medical attention or adjustment of your medications. This is especially important if you have lung problems or heart problems.What can you do to prepare for wildfire emergencies?If you live in an area threatened by wildfires, or where heat and dry conditions make them more likely to occur:Create an evacuation plan for your family before a wildfire occurs.Make sure that you have several days on hand of medications, water, and food that doesn't need to be cooked. This will help if you need to leave suddenly due to a wildfire or another natural disaster.Regularly check this fire and smoke map, which shows current wildfire conditions and has links to state advisories.Follow alerts from local officials if you are in the region of an active fire.