Many more people have been aware of the developing threat of wildfires since 2023, when Canada experienced unprecedented fires that devastated all 13 provinces and territories. It seemed unbelievable to many at the time that a catastrophe happening thousands of miles away could have consequences for us here in the mid-Atlantic. The rapid acceleration of global warming has only increased the threats of these wildfires, which destroy lives, homes, and businesses, and damage everyone's respiratory health. For August and September 2025, the Canadian Government and the National Interagency Fire Board have forecasted above normal fire risk for much of Canada as well as several US states (see below). And our current administration is doing very little to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions going forward. Unfortunately, it seems this wildfire risk is here to stay for the foreseeable future, at least during the summer months. So, what can we do to be sustainable in the face of this reality?

Well, we can work to sustain our health (and that of our friends and families), so that we can continue to fight the good fight and support our communities and the environment. Wildfire smoke is so dangerous because it contains high quantities of particulate matter with diameters of 2.5 micrometers and smaller, also known as PM2.5. PM2.5 poses a more significant health risk than larger particles because their small size allows them to penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream. While some groups are at higher risk of negative symptoms, everyone should try to reduce their exposure to wildfire smoke. The more exposure you have, even in small doses, the more likely you are to experience negative health impacts that can be long-term or even permanent. Those with heart or lung disease, including asthma, should be especially careful to limit their time outside, close doors and windows, and run air conditioning during times of poor air quality. If staying indoors is not possible, additional strategies include limiting strenuous activity and wearing a mask. The best mask for wildfire smoke is a tightfitting, NIOSH-approved N95 or P100 respirator. Additional groups that should exercise increased caution are the elderly, children and teenagers, pregnant people, and outdoor workers. Airnow.gov is a great resource for checking air quality before going outside, and AirVisual is a free app that you can install for alerts. Now, you can stay informed about and prepared for wildfire smoke to keep yourself and your communities safe.