Stay informed with the most updated information on today's (and tomorrow's) air quality. 

Once you know the air quality, explore ways to stay healthy below: 

The risk of wildfires and accompanying wildfire smoke is increasing and a longer fire + smoke season is projected from our changing climate.  Missoula is particularly at risk due to our valley location. Learn about the health risks from smoke, as well as ways to stay healthy, by clicking on the buttons above or by scrolling down. Learn more about the science behind our changing summers.

We have resources to help you outfit your home for heat and smoke - and you can jump directly to our guide to HEPA portable air cleaners.  

What are the Health Effects of Wildfire Smoke? 

What is so dangerous about wildfire smoke? 
The video below, "Be Smart About Wildfire Smoke" explains who is most at risk and why. 
​If film does not show automatically (sometimes settings are blocked), you can download video here. ​
​Common symptoms of smoke exposure:
  • Coughing
  • Trouble breathing
  • Stinging or itchy eyes
  • Scratchy throat
  • Headache
  • Lack of energy
  • Changes in appetite
  • Changes in sleep patterns
  • Feelings of hopelessness, irritability, or depression
  • ​For more information about the mental health effects of increased wildfire smoke and other climate factors, visit our Climate and Mental Health page.

Who is Most at Risk from Smoke?

When thick smoke rolls in, it can affect everyone: we get grumpy because we can’t spend as much time outside, and we go into work smelling like we slept next to a campfire. While no one wants to understate the effects of smoke on all of us, some people in our community are disproportionately harmed by wildfire smoke. In fact, about 1 in 3 Missoulians belong to a demographic that is particularly vulnerable to wildfire smoke. Who are they? Children (especially the really little kiddos), pregnant women, seniors, and folks with asthma, heart, lung, or circulatory system disease. See, more than you would think! If you or someone you love is among one of these groups, read on to learn more about why you’re at risk, what health effects you may experience during a smoke episode, and what you can do to reduce your risk and stay sane. 
ASTHMATICS
Potential Effects from Smoke:
  • More frequent and more severe asthma attacks
What You Can Do:
  • Create an asthma action plan with your healthcare provider at the beginning of the summer
  • Discuss prevention and treatment options for smoke events that are customized to you
  • Carry an emergency inhaler
  • Reduce the amount of time you’re breathing unhealthy air by Creating Healthy Indoor Air At Home or finding a clean indoor air location
CHILDREN (AGES 0 - 5)
Potential Effects from Smoke:
  • Risk of damage to lungs, which are still developing
  • Kids are more likely to be active when outdoors - running, playing, being kids - meaning they typically inhale more harmful chemicals per pound of body weight
What You Can Do:
OLDER ADULTS
Potential Effects from Smoke: 
  • Increased susceptibility to bacterial or viral infections because of compromised immune system
​What You Can Do: 
  • Consult your healthcare provider and follow their advice if you have any specific medical concerns about prescription drugs that you are taking
  • Have an adequate supply of medication on hand (more than 5 days worth) in case of an emergency​
  • Reduce the amount of time you’re breathing unhealthy air by Creating Healthy Indoor Air At Home or finding a clean indoor air location
PREGNANT WOMEN
Potential Effects from Smoke: 
  • Damage to the developing lungs of the fetus
What You Can Do: ​
THOSE WITH CHRONIC HEART OR LUNG DISEASE
Potential Effects from Smoke: 
  • Shortness of breath
  • COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
  • Chest tightness
  • Pain in chest, neck, shoulder, or arm
  • Heart palpitations
  • Unusual fatigue or light headedness
What You Can Do: 
  • Consult your healthcare provider and follow their advice if you have any specific medical concerns about prescription drugs that you are taking
  • Have an adequate supply of medication on hand (more than 5 days worth) in case of an emergency​
  • Reduce the amount of time you’re breathing unhealthy air by Creating Healthy Indoor Air At Home or finding a clean indoor air location
THOSE WITH CIRCULATORY SYSTEM DISEASE
Potential Effects from Smoke: 
  • Temporary chest pain
  • Heart attacks
  • Cardiac arrhythmia
  • Acute congestive heart failure
  • Stroke
What You Can Do: 
  • Consult your healthcare provider and follow their advice if you have any specific medical concerns about prescription drugs that you are taking
  • Have an adequate supply of medication on hand (more than 5 days) in case of an emergency
  • Reduce the amount of time you’re breathing unhealthy air by Creating Healthy Indoor Air At Home or finding a clean indoor air location
What does that mean for me?
Smoke affects everyone differently, both physically and mentally. Healthy folks may not experience any immediate effects, or they may have respiratory symptoms or pulmonary inflammation. Even if you don’t appear to be experiencing symptoms, be extra cautious with how much time you spend outside and how active you are outdoors, especially if you’re a kid with developing lungs or a senior. If you have pre-existing conditions like heart or lung disease, wildfire smoke could have very specific health implications for you. Read more here or speak to your healthcare provider.

Preparing for Wildfire Smoke

For our most updated information on wildfire smoke and its relationship to COVID-19, visit our companion site, montanawildfiresmoke.org

How do you prepare for wildfire smoke? 
The video below, "Prepare for Wildfire Smoke" shows how you can stay healthy during smoke events.  
​If film does not show automatically (sometimes settings are blocked), you can download video here. ​

Stay Healthy During Smoke Events

Although we don't have control over smoke entering our valley, there are things we can do to stay healthy and sane when smoke is here.​​
Cloth masks and wildfire smoke: 
While cloth masks are important for preventing the transmission of COVID-19, they do not protect your lungs from wildfire smoke. Particulate respirator masks, also known as an N95 or P100 mask, with two straps can filter out PM 2.5. Keep in mind that particulate respirator masks must fit tightly to work properly, so they actually make breathing more difficult and are not recommended for folks who already have trouble breathing, or for use while engaged in strenuous physical activity.​

Resources

Downloadable Brochures

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additional one pagers
peer reviewed journal articles
Peer Reviewed Journal Articles:

Current and Forecasted Air Quality Information

 Not every wildfire smoke event is hazardous to our health. Smoke events range from the mild fog of a controlled burn to the thick, soupy haze of a raging wildfire. Usually, it's somewhere in between. To know what to do, you need to know the air quality.
Montana deq air quality website
Visit todaysair.mt.gov and click on the dot representing Missoula for current and forecasted air quality.
Missoula health department report
Get the latest report from the Missoula Health Dept. - updated most days during the fire season.
know your rules of thumb
Look outside and check visibility: 
  • Cannot see 5 miles? Unhealthy air
  • Cannot see 2 miles? Very Unhealthy air
  • Cannot see 1 mile? Hazardous air​​
Air Quality Specialist Sarah Coefield explains more: 
call the missoula air quality hotline
A recorded message is updated daily during fire season. Call 406 - 258 - 3600 for more information. ​​​​​​

Real-Time Air Quality Forecast Map

​Wondering when the air will improve? Check out this great map from Washington State University forecasting air quality for the next 48 hours. (Click on the image below to open the map - then zoom in to Missoula!)