Protect Yourself from Wildfire Smoke
Be ready to protect yourself against smoke and ash before, during, and after a wildfire.
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When wildfires burn near you, smoke can reach your community. Wildfire smoke is a mix of gases and fine particles from burning trees and plants, buildings, and other material. Wildfire smoke can make anyone sick, but people with asthma, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), or heart diseasepdf icon, and childrenpdf iconexternal icon, pregnant women, and responders are especially at risk.
Breathing in smoke can affect you right away, causing:
- Coughing
- Trouble breathing
- Wheezing
- Asthma attacks
- Stinging eyes
- Scratchy throat
- Runny nose
- Irritated sinuses
- Headaches
- Tiredness
- Chest pain
- Fast heartbeat
Be ready to protect yourself against smoke and ash before, during, and after a wildfire.
Page last reviewed: February 11, 2021
Content source: National Center for Environmental Health