COVID-19 and Wildfire Smoke
This wildfire season will again be especially challenging with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. There is concern about health impacts of wildfire smoke overlapping with COVID-19 because both impact respiratory and immune systems. Local COVID-19 restrictions may limit how we can reduce our exposure to wildfire smoke.
For public health and air quality officials: Guidance for wildfire smoke and COVID-19 (PDF)
Stay up-to-date on the current COVID-19 situation in Washington. See our Frequently Asked Questions for more information.
Inhaling wildfire smoke is not good for anyone, even healthy people. In 2018, the interagency Wildfire Smoke Impacts Advisory Group (PDF) formed to assist in developing fact-based materials for Washington. Below are resources for everyone as well as specific information for people who are especially sensitive to smoke.
Information on Wildfires and Smoke
Smoke blog - English / Spanish
Health Recommendations
Washington Air Quality Guide for Particle Pollution: English / Spanish / Arabic / Chinese Simplified / Chinese Traditional / Korean / Punjabi / Russian / Somali / Tagalog / Ukrainian / Vietnamese
Washington Air Quality Guide for School Child Care Activities: English / Spanish
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
Washington Guide for Public Health Actions for Wildfire Smoke: English
Recommendations for wildfire smoke and COVID-19: English
Wildfire Response – Severe Smoke Episodes:
- ESF 8 Attachment 1 to Appendix 5: 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 | Arabic | Chinese | Korean | Punjabi | Russian | Somali | Tagalog | Ukrainian | Vietnamese
- 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 | Arabic | Chinese | Korean | Punjabi | Russian | Somali | Tagalog | Ukrainian | Vietnamese
Face mask fact sheet: English / Spanish
L&I: Wildfire Smoke and Voluntary use of N95 Masks at Work: English / Spanish
Know the Symptoms flyer: Spanish | Arabic | Chinese | Korean | Punjabi | Russian | Somali | Tagalog | Ukrainian | Vietnamese
Fact Sheet for Families and Communities - Protecting Children from Wildfire Smoke and Ash, July 2018, PEHSU: English
Smoke From Fires Webpage in Other Languages
Qiiqa Ka imaanayo Dabka (Somali)