The technical guidance and risk communication resources below are for public health, air quality, and other officials to aid in decision-making during wildfire smoke or fine particulate matter response. Recommendations and action thresholds are not static, additional factors should always be considered. Some factors include:
- Individual sensitivities, levels of exposure, and other circumstances.
- Communities disproportionately impacted by wildfire smoke and other air pollution.
- Ability to access cleaner indoor air.
Documents written for wildfire smoke can also be informative for other sources of fine particulate matter (PM2.5). Keep in mind, pollution from different sources may have varying toxicity.
Many of these tools were created with input from partners across the state, including the Wildfire Smoke Impacts Advisory Group (PDF). This interagency group was formed in 2018 to develop and improve evidence-based health guidance and achieve more consistent health messaging across agencies.
Health Resources
Washington Air Quality Guide for Particle Pollution (PDF)
Also available in: Spanish, Arabic, Chinese Simplified, Chinese Traditional, Korean, Punjabi, Russian, Somali, Tagalog, Ukrainian, Vietnamese
Washington Children and Youth Activities Guide for Air Quality (PDF)
Also available in: Spanish / Somali / Russian
- Youth Activities Guide FAQs (PDF)
Also available in: Spanish / Somali / Russian
Washington Guide for Public Health Actions for Wildfire Smoke (PDF)
Wildfire Smoke Guidance for Canceling Outdoor Events or Activities and Closing Schools (PDF)
- Summary Wildfire Smoke Guidance for Cancelling Outdoor Public Events or Activities (PDF)
- Summary Wildfire Smoke Guidance for Closing Schools (PDF)
Improving Ventilation and Indoor Air Quality During Wildfire Smoke Events (PDF)
Recommendations for Wildfire Smoke and Respiratory Viruses (PDF)
Wildfire Smoke: A Guide for Public Health Officials, AirNow.gov
Wildfire Smoke and Washingtonians (PDF)
Also available in: Spanish / Arabic / Chinese / Korean / Punjabi / Russian / Somali / Tagalog / Ukrainian / Vietnamese
Wildfire Smoke and Young People (PDF)
Also available in: Spanish
Wildfire Smoke and Pregnant People (PDF)
Also available in: Spanish / Arabic / Chinese / Korean / Punjabi / Russian / Somali / Tagalog / Ukrainian / Vietnamese
Wildfire Smoke and People Over 65 (PDF)
Also available in: Spanish / Arabic / Chinese / Korean / Punjabi / Russian / Somali / Tagalog / Ukrainian / Vietnamese
Wildfire Smoke and Heart and Lung Disease (PDF)
Also available in: Spanish / Korean / Punjabi
Wildfire Smoke and Face Masks (PDF)
Also available in: Spanish
Wildfire Smoke: Know the Symptoms (PDF)
Also available in: Spanish / Arabic / Chinese / Korean / Punjabi / Russian / Somali / Tagalog / Ukrainian / Vietnamese
Smoke From Fires Translated Fact Sheets
Qiiqa Ka imaanayo Dabka (Somali)
Khói Từ Các Đám Cháy (Vietnamese)
Additional Resources
WA Smoke Blog website / Spanish - This blog provides a range of timely notices like wildfire status updates, air quality conditions and forecasts, and health information.
WA Labor & Industries Wildfire Smoke website - For information on wildfire smoke and outdoor worker safety, including workplace requirements and policies.