The file is provided for reference purposes only. It was current when produced, but is no longer maintained and may now be outdated. Persons with disabilities having difficulty accessing information on this page may e-mail for assistance. Please select hhs.gov to access current information.

California Fires

(Incendios Forestales)

The California fires and their smoke pose a number of health risks including serious respiratory ailments reaching far beyond the wildfire boundaries. Smoke can hurt your eyes, irritate your respiratory system, and worsen chronic heart and lung diseases.

HHS advises that people in the affected areas take precautions, and recommends taking the following protective actions:

Limit exposure to smoke
Listen to local air quality reports.
Follow your doctor's advice if you have asthma or another lung disease.
Do not rely on dust masks commonly found at hardware stores for protection. These masks will not protect your lungs from smoke.

Citizens in the affected area are urged to listen for messages from state and local emergency officials and be aware of evacuation and sheltering orders in their communities.

Protect Yourself

What You Should Know (CDC)
Gather Emergency Supplies (CDC)
Safe Drug Use after a Natural Disaster (FDA)
Environmental Health & Toxicology - (NIH)

Smoke & Burns

Stress & Mental Health

Coping With Disaster (CDC)
Self-Care Steps After a Disaster (SAMHSA)
Preventing Violence After a Natural Disaster (CDC)
Maintain a Healthy State of Mind (CDC)
Reaction of Children to a Disaster (SAMHSA)
Also see "For Firefighters & First Responders"

For Firefighters & First-Responders

Natural Disasters: Response, Cleanup & Safety for Workers (CDC)
Resources for Wildfire Responders in Rescue and Clean-Up Activities (CDC)
Tips for Managing & Preventing Stress (SAMHSA)
Disaster Counseling (SAMHSA)
Psychological First Aid For First-Responders (SAMHSA)
Coping With a Traumatic Event (CDC)

Evacuations

Aid & Assistance

State & Local Health Departments (CDC)

Pets

Animals in Evacuation Centers (CDC)
Protect Your Pets in an Emergency (CDC)

Fact Sheets

Public Service Announcements

Alert

If you are advised to stay indoors, keep indoor air as clean as possible. Keep windows and doors closed unless it is extremely hot outside.

Run an air conditioner if you have one, but keep the fresh-air intake closed and the filter clean to prevent outdoor smoke from getting inside.

If you do not have an air conditioner and it is too warm to stay inside with the windows closed, seek shelter elsewhere.