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: English / Spanish / Arabic / Chinese Simplified / Chinese Traditional / Korean / Punjabi / Russian / Somali / Tagalog / Ukrainian / Vietnamese
Washington Children and Youth Activities Guide for Air Quality: English / Spanish / Somali / Russian
Washington Guide for Public Health Actions for Wildfire Smoke: English
Wildfire Smoke Guidance for Canceling Outdoor Events or Activities and Closing Schools: English
- Summary Wildfire Smoke Guidance for Cancelling Outdoor Public Events or Activities: English
- Summary Wildfire Smoke Guidance for Closing Schools: English
Portable Air Cleaner Selection Guide
Improving Ventilation and Indoor Air Quality During Wildfire Smoke Events (PDF)
DOH Recommendations for Wildfire Smoke and Respiratory Viruses: English
Washington State CEMP ESF 8 Attachment 1 to Appendix 5 – Wildfire Response – Severe Smoke Episodes: English
Wildfire Smoke: A Guide for Public Health Officials: English
Smoke from fires can be dangerous flyers:
For everyone:
English / Spanish / Arabic / Chinese / Korean / Punjabi / Russian / Somali / Tagalog / Ukrainian / Vietnamese
For babies and children:
English / Spanish
For pregnant people:
English / Spanish / Arabic / Chinese / Korean / Punjabi / Russian / Somali / Tagalog / Ukrainian / Vietnamese
For people over 65:
English / Spanish / Arabic / Chinese / Korean / Punjabi / Russian / Somali / Tagalog / Ukrainian / Vietnamese
For people with lung and heart diseases:
English / Spanish / Korean / Punjabi
Face mask fact sheet: English / Spanish
Know the Symptoms flyer:
English / Spanish / Arabic / Chinese / Korean / Punjabi / Russian / Somali / Tagalog / Ukrainian / Vietnamese
Smoke From Fires Webpage in Other Languages
Qiiqa Ka imaanayo Dabka (Somali)
Khói Từ Các Đám Cháy (Vietnamese)
Additional Resources on Wildfires and Smoke
WA Smoke Blog Website: English / 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: English - For information on wildfire smoke and outdoor worker safety, including workplace requirements and policies.