Smoke Ready Week 2026 - Eliminate Fire Risk

Most wildfires are human-caused and preventable - do your part to prevent wildfires and wildfire smoke:  

Never leave campfires or debris burns unattended.  

 

Avoid burning during windy conditions. Wind can cause embers to spread quickly, igniting dry vegetation. 

 

Ensure campfires and hot coals are completely extinguished by drowning, stirring, and feeling for heat. 

 

Use spark arresters on equipment. Chainsaws, ATVs, and other machinery can produce sparks that ignite dry grass and brush. 

 

Don’t drive or park on dry grass. The undercarriage of your car is hot and can catch vegetation on fire. 

 

Don’t let tow chains drag. Dragging chains can cause sparks. 

  

Obey all local fire restrictions. Check before starting any outdoor activities that involve fire. 

 
Find more wildfire prevention tips here!

Smoke Ready Week 2026 - Keep a Plan

Everyone should reduce exposure to wildfire smoke. Most healthy adults will experience relatively minor effects like respiratory symptoms or eye irritation. Children, older adults, and people with asthma, heart or lung disease, or other health conditions may be at greater risk of experiencing more severe health effects.  

Speak with your doctor before wildfire season and prepare a plan to keep yourself safe: 

 

➡️ Refill essential medications 

➡️ Gather any specialized equipment you might need 

➡️ Talk to your doctor about whether N95 masks are right for you 

➡️ Have an evacuation plan that includes a cleaner air space 

➡️ Find ways to protect your mental health during long smoke events 

Smoke Ready Week 2026 - Optimize Your Air

 

Keeping your indoor air clean is one of the best ways to stay safe during wildfire smoke events. You can create a clean room in your home with a few simple steps:  

 

➡️ Close windows and doors  

➡️ Run an air purifier with a HEPA filter or make a DIY clean air fan  

➡️ Avoid burning candles, incense, or scented products  

➡️ Skip cooking methods that create smoke or strong smells.  

 

When you need to shelter indoors, these strategies can make your home more comfortable for both people and pets. Your heart and lungs will thank you! 

Smoke Ready Week 2026 - Minimize Exposure

The best time to prepare for wildfire smoke is before the wildfire season begins. the second best time is now. Be ready to take these actions to protect yourself and reduce your smoke exposure:  

  

✅ Monitor wildfire activity and air quality in your area on the Fire and Smoke Map

✅ Use air purifiers, a HEPA filter in your HVAC system, or create a DIY clean air fan (below)

✅ Limit physical activity outdoors when air quality is poor 

✅ Talk to your doctor about whether N95 masks are right for you 

✅ Identify a “clean air room” to reduce your exposure to wildfire smoke while indoors  

  

 

Smoke Ready Week 2026 - Stay Informed!

There have already been several wildfires in Idaho this year! Be smoke ready and stay informed to protect your health this summer.
 
Fine particle pollution is a major part of wildfire smoke and a threat to public health. It can travel deep into the lungs and may even enter the bloodstream.  
 
Particle pollution doesn’t just affect outdoor air quality, wildfire smoke particles can enter homes and buildings, potentially impacting indoor air quality. 
 
Keeping track of wildfire activity, current air quality, and smoke forecasts will help you make good decisions for your health during wildfire smoke events 👍 

➡️ Keep tabs on wildfire activity and air quality on the Fire and Smoke Map
➡️ Download the AIR Idaho app to check current air quality and see air quality forecasts