Air Quality and Emergencies

Wildfires

Smoke from wildfires can affect the air that you breathe. Use these resources to protect your family’s health if there’s a wildfire in your area.

• Prescribed Fires and Air Quality
• Wildfires — Emergency Preparedness and Response
• Wildfires: What YOU Need to Know (Public Health Matters Blog)
• Wildfires: Information for Pregnant Women and Parents of Young Infants
• Fires: Current Conditions (AirNow)
• Wildfire Smoke: A Guide for Public Health Officials (California Air Resources Board) [PDF – 1.91 MB]
• National Weather Service Air Quality Forecast

Volcanoes

When volcanoes erupt, they release ash and harmful gases that can make it hard to breathe. Find out how to stay safe during and after a volcanic eruption.

• Key Facts About Protecting Yourself During a Volcanic Eruption
• Key Facts About Protecting Yourself After a Volcanic Eruption

Learn more about substances that can be released into the air during a volcanic eruption:

• Ammonia
• Fluorides, Hydrogen Fluoride, and Fluorine
• Sulfur Dioxide
• Vanadium