Wildfire smoke, air quality and your health

ShaziaMedicine

Prepare yourself for wildfire smoke events

  • Speak with a doctor or health care provider about how to manage your health during a wildfire smoke event especially if you, or members of your family, are in 1 or more of the groups more likely to be impacted.
  • Maintain a supply of necessary medications at home and always carry these medications with you during wildfire season. Work with your health care provider to create a plan of what to do in case your medications are unable to stabilize your condition.
  • Know the contact information for your local health authority in case you need more information about local cleaner air spaces.
  • Ensure you have well-fitting NIOSH-certified N95 or equivalent respirators (KN95 or KF94) if you must spend time outdoors.

Medical treatments for smoke inhalation include supplemental oxygen, bronchodilators to open airways, and mucolytics to break up mucus. Specific antidotes may be needed for carbon monoxide or cyanide poisoning. 

Prepare your home and vehicle for wildfire smoke events

  • Consider purchasing 1 or more certified, properly-sized portable air cleaners for your home.
  • Replace or clean your air filters in your ventilation system or portable air cleaner according to the manufacturers recommendations.
  • Have extra filters for your ventilation system or portable air cleaner(s).
  • Ensure you have certified carbon monoxide alarms in your home that are in proper working order
  • Change your vehicle’s cabin air filter regularly according to the manufacturer instructions to ensure your filter remains effective.

Prepare for wildfires

In Canada, wildfires (also called forest fires) happen year-round. The most active period is from May through September, but hold-over fires can smolder throughout the winter. Wildfires can cause extensive damage and put lives in danger. Smoke from wildfires can be a significant health hazard.

Why prepare for wildfires

The behaviour of a wildfire is difficult to predict as many factors can impact the results – how quickly it spreads, where it spreads, how much heat is given off, how much fuel is consumed, how much smoke is generated. To better prepare for a wildfire event, including smoke, know about the risks to yourself, your household, your community and region. Know what to do before a wildfire is nearby. Find information on wildfire smoke, air quality and health.