Wildfires (for Families & Communities)

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Wildfires

Wildfires are unplanned blazes that start in natural areas like forests, grasslands and prairies. These flames can spread quickly to nearby communities. Children are especially vulnerable to health effects during wildfires due to their developing lungs and other factors.

The Good News: Being prepared and knowing steps to take before, during and after a wildfire can help keep your family safe.

7.4 million

The estimated number of children each year across the United States who are affected by wildfire smoke.

101 to 150

The range on the air quality index that indicates unhealthy air quality for sensitive groups such as children.

13

The lowest number you want to find on an air filter— MERV 13 (or MERV + a higher number) is the recommended filter to keep your air clean.

References

In Your Environment

How Can Families/Communities Prepare Before a Wildfire?

 If you live in an area that is prone to wildfires, have a wildfire response plan, including having a disaster kit (with N95 masks) so that you’re ready to leave home urgently if needed. If your child has chronic health conditions, discuss plans for wildfires with their primary care provider. Families can prepare for wildfire by knowing how to check their air quality and sign up for air quality resources. They can also protect their indoor air quality by talking with a HVAC or furnace professional about upgrading to a filter rated “MERV” 13 or higher or buy a portable air cleaner to have on hand. Sign up for emergency alerts from FEMA or your local public health department and always follow evacuation guidelines. See the additional resources section for related links.

What to Look For

What are the Health Effects of Wildfires?

Children who breathe in wildfire smoke can have chest pain and tightness; trouble breathing; wheezing; coughing; nose, throat, and eye burning; dizziness; or other symptoms. Children with asthma, allergies, or other chronic health conditions may have more trouble breathing when smoke or ash is present. Even children without asthma could experience respiratory symptoms, resulting in school absences and other limitations of normal childhood activities. Fires may leave large amounts of ash and dust contaminated with harmful chemicals such as asbestos, arsenic, and/or lead. Wildfire smoke can persist for days or even months, depending on the extent of the wildfire. 

Actions to Take

What Can Families and Communities Do to Lower their Exposure to the Harmful Health Effects of Wildfires in the Home?

Families and communities should prepare as best as possible in the event of wildfire (see “In Your Environment” above for more details). After a wildfire, adults should avoid tracking contaminated substances and ash back to areas frequented by children (e.g. homes, cars) on clothing or shoes. Remove shoes at the doorway, wash clothing separately, and change out of clothing prior to interacting with children or returning home. If your child has had contact with any potentially hazardous substance or has been playing in a fire-damaged area, wash their hands and any other exposed body part thoroughly. Flush their eyes, too. Remove any exposed clothing and wash separately as soon as possible. Children should not be at a cleanup site or clean up from a wildfire. 

What Can Schools or Childcare Centers Do to Lower Children’s Exposure to the Harmful Health Effects of Wildfires?

School or childcare center administrators can work with local health and air quality officials to understand how to best implement school activity guidelines and other responses to a smoke event. Monitoring indoor air quality is an important way to tailor interventions and keep kids safe. When there is smoke outside, the best place to be is an indoor space with good air quality. If outdoors for brief periods, consider having kids wear NIOSH-certified N95 masks, especially if kids are coughing or have underlying health concerns. Schools should consider creating large clean air rooms, such as cafeterias, gyms, or auditoriums – which can also serve as clean air shelters for community members outside of school hours. Ideally, ALL classrooms should be clean air rooms to keep kids safe.

PEHSU Resources on Wildfires

Pediatric Environmental Health Radio Episode 3: Protecting Children from the Health Effects of Wildfires

Jan 21, 2025
Firefighter fighting wildfire

Wildfire Smoke Factsheet

Mar 26, 2025
School kids outside

Protecting Kids from Wildfire Smoke: Actions for CA Schools

Mar 23, 2025
Little girl in face mask

Wildfires and Mask Use

Mar 23, 2025

Protecting Children from Wildfire Smoke in the Pacific Southwest

Jun 04, 2025

Keep Kids Healthy by Preparing for a Natural Disaster

May 30, 2025
Resources for Health Professionals

If you’re concerned about nearby wildfires, your regional Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Unit (PEHSU) has staff who can also talk with you about concerns over the health effects of wildfires.

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Health Risks of Wildfires for Children – Acute Phase Guidance for Health Professionals

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National PEHSU
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Protecting Children from Wildfire Smoke in the Pacific Southwest

Region 9
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Summer 2022 Lecture on Wildfire Smoke and Children’s Health by Stephanie Holm, MD, MPH

The WSPEHSU continues to lead efforts in bringing awareness to wildfires and their continued impact on health. Hosted by the Right Care Initiative….

Region 9
Wildfires
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Free Continuing Medical Education on Wildfires

In 2021 the Western States PEHSU released the newest A Story of Health multimedia eBook chapter “Sofia’s story: Health Effects of Wildf…

Region 9
Air Quality| Wildfires
Firefighter fighting wildfire

Wildfire Smoke Factsheet

Children are especially vulnerable tohealth effects during wildfires due to theirdeveloping lungs and other factors. View the full factsheet by cli…

National PEHSU
Extreme Weather| Wildfires
Little girl in face mask

Wildfires and Mask Use

Wildfire season is growing and wildfires are becoming more severe and frequent because of climate change. Using appropriate masks correctly is an i…

National PEHSU
Extreme Weather| Wildfires
School kids outside

Protecting Kids from Wildfire Smoke: Actions for CA Schools

Region 9
Extreme Weather| Wildfires

Dr. Stephanie Holm: Wildfire smoke and children’s health

Region 9
Wildfires
View all resources about wildfires
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