DENVER, Colo. (July 30, 2026) — As wildfires burn across parts of the western United States, including in parts of Colorado and Wyoming, wildfire smoke continues to be a hazard for communities. Wildfire smoke is a mix of gases and particles from burning trees, plants, buildings and other materials that can be hazardous to human health in large concentrations. 

Follow these tips to stay safe in smoke-heavy or poor air quality conditions: 

• Unless it is very hot outside, keep indoor air clean by closing windows and doors to prevent outside smoke from getting in.
• Use a portable air cleaner to keep air inside clean.
• If you have a central air conditioning system, use high efficiency filters to capture fine particles from the smoke. If your system has a fresh air intake, set the system to recirculate mode or close the outdoor intake damper.
  • If you're in your car, set the air to recirculate.
• Avoid using anything that burns, such as candles, fireplaces and gas stoves. Avoid activities like smoking or vacuuming which can kick up dust.
• Monitor local weather and fires near you. Sign up for free emergency alerts from your local government. Follow air quality alert information if one is issued for your area.  

Additionally, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment recommends the following to protect yourself from wildfire smoke: 

• Stay indoors when you can and avoid strenuous activity if you must go outside. This is especially important for children and other higher-risk groups that are extremely vulnerable to wildfire smoke.
• Pets are as vulnerable to wildfire smoke as humans; keep them inside as much as possible, as well.
• Use an N95 respirator outdoors to filter out fine particulates, but check with a doctor before using one if you have a heart or lung condition.
  • Masks will also not filter out hazardous gases like carbon monoxide and other types of mask will not prevent breathing in smoke.
• Know the signs of inhaled smoke affecting your health. Symptoms can include irritation in the eyes, nose or throat; shortness of breath; coughing, wheezing or difficulty breathing. Smoke can also worsen health conditions such as asthma, lung disease and heart disease.  

Pay attention to any health symptoms if you have asthma, COPD, heart disease, or are pregnant. Get medical help if you need it.

The Red Cross Emergency App contains helpful information and tips about how to protect yourself from wildfire smoke. It is available to download in your device's app store by searching "American Red Cross" or visiting https://www.redcross.org/apps.

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or visit us on social media.