Wildfire Activity Is Picking Up: How to Keep Your Indoor Air Cleaner

Wildfire season is intensifying across the United States, bringing smoke and poor air quality to communities far beyond the fires themselves. As of July 20, firefighters were working to contain 74 large fires nationwide, with nearly 19,400 firefighting personnel supporting response efforts, according to the National Interagency Fire Center.

Even if your home is hundreds of miles from an active wildfire, changing winds can carry smoke across multiple states. That means hazy skies, unusual odors and unhealthy air quality can appear with little warning.

What Is in Wildfire Smoke?

Wildfire smoke contains a mixture of gases and microscopic particles produced as trees, vegetation, buildings and other materials burn. One of the biggest concerns is fine particulate matter, commonly known as PM2.5.

These particles are extremely small and can travel deep into the lungs when inhaled. Exposure may cause symptoms such as:

• Coughing or throat irritation
• Burning or watery eyes
• Headaches
• Wheezing or difficulty breathing
• Chest discomfort
• Increased allergy or asthma symptoms

Children, older adults, pregnant women and people with heart or lung conditions may be especially sensitive to wildfire smoke. Anyone experiencing serious or persistent symptoms should contact a healthcare professional.

Can Wildfire Smoke Get Inside Your Home?

Closing your windows and doors is an important first step, but it may not keep all smoke outside. Fine particles can enter through small openings, ventilation systems and doors as people come and go.

Once smoke gets indoors, everyday activities can make air quality even worse. During periods of heavy smoke, the EPA recommends avoiding activities that create additional particles, including burning candles, using fireplaces, frying food and vacuuming without a HEPA-filtered vacuum.

How to Prepare Your Home for Wildfire Smoke

You cannot control where the wind carries wildfire smoke, but you can take steps to reduce your exposure and create a cleaner indoor environment.

Check the Air Quality

Monitor your local Air Quality Index through AirNow.gov. Smoke conditions can change throughout the day, so check the AQI before opening windows, exercising outside or planning outdoor activities.

Keep Smoke Outside

When outdoor air quality is poor, close windows and doors and limit how frequently they are opened. If your air conditioner has a recirculate setting, use it to help prevent outdoor smoke from being pulled inside.

Create a Cleaner Air Room

Choose one room where your household can spend time when smoke levels are elevated. A bedroom or living room with few windows and doors can work well. Keep the room closed off as much as possible and use a properly sized portable air purifier.

Use True HEPA Filtration

A Hunter Pure Air purifier with True HEPA filtration can help capture airborne particles, including many of the fine particles associated with smoke. For the best performance, choose a purifier designed for the size of your room and operate it continuously while air quality remains poor.

Place the purifier where airflow will not be obstructed by furniture, curtains or walls. If possible, run the unit before smoke arrives so it can begin circulating and filtering the room’s air.

Check Your Filters

Wildfire smoke can cause filters to collect particles more quickly than usual. Inspect your air purifier and HVAC filters regularly during a smoke event. A dirty or overloaded filter may reduce airflow and filtration performance, so replace filters according to the manufacturer’s recommendations or sooner if they appear heavily soiled.

Be Ready Before the Smoke Arrives

Wildfire smoke can move quickly, and air purifiers and replacement filters may become harder to find once an air quality alert is issued. Preparing early gives you time to check your equipment, replace old filters and establish a cleaner air space in your home.

As wildfire activity continues to increase, staying informed and taking simple precautions can make a meaningful difference in the air your family breathes.

Explore Hunter Pure Air air purifiers and replacement filters to help prepare your home for wildfire smoke season.