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Each year, wildfires rage across large swaths of the United States—most notably in the western states like California, Oregon, and Arizona. While flames dominate the headlines, it's often the smoke that poses the most widespread and lingering threat. From busy urban centers to remote forests, wildfire smoke does not discriminate—affecting humans, pets, and wildlife alike.
This invisible invader carries toxic particles and chemicals that can travel hundreds or even thousands of miles from the fire’s origin, infiltrating homes, contaminating airways, and disrupting entire ecosystems.
Wildfire smoke blankets both cities and countryside—but its impact can differ based on where you live.
In densely populated cities like Los Angeles or Denver, wildfire smoke compounds existing air pollution levels. For city dwellers already exposed to car exhaust, industrial emissions, and heat islands, wildfire smoke becomes a dangerous overlay. Vulnerable groups—children, the elderly, and people with respiratory conditions—suffer the most. Asthma attacks, hospital visits, and cardiac events rise sharply during major smoke events.
Moreover, city residents may assume they’re safe indoors. But without proper filtration systems, indoor air quality often mirrors outdoor conditions, especially in older buildings or apartments without sealed HVAC systems. Even modern homes are not immune unless equipped with high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters or air purifiers designed to handle PM2.5 particles.
For those living in rural or forested regions, the dangers are often more immediate. Many of these communities are located directly in or near the wildland-urban interface, where homes meet natural landscapes. Here, smoke exposure is usually more intense, prolonged, and difficult to escape. Evacuation may be necessary not only due to fire danger but due to hazardous air quality that persists for days or weeks.
Additionally, rural residents may lack access to medical services or air quality alerts, leaving them more vulnerable and less prepared to protect themselves or their animals.
Our furry companions are often overlooked when smoke rolls in. Dogs and cats, just like humans, can suffer from coughing, wheezing, and eye irritation due to wildfire smoke. Pets with preexisting heart or lung conditions are at even greater risk.
Indoor pets may still be exposed if air purifiers or ventilation systems aren’t in place. Birds, in particular, are highly sensitive to air pollutants and should be kept indoors with filtered air during smoke events. For outdoor pets and livestock, owners must find shelter, ideally in enclosed spaces with good air filtration, to minimize respiratory stress and long-term damage.
In the wild, animals can’t close windows or run air purifiers. Wildfire smoke disrupts migratory patterns, forces premature habitat abandonment, and causes direct harm to sensitive respiratory systems.
Disorientation due to poor visibility and panic.
Respiratory distress in birds, deer, and smaller mammals.
Abandonment of nests or burrows, especially among birds and reptiles.
Population displacement, leading to overcrowding and territorial conflicts.
Food scarcity, as fires destroy vegetation and prey animals.
Reproductive stress, with fewer young surviving to maturity.
Wildlife rehabilitation centers in the U.S. have reported an increase in animals suffering from smoke inhalation injuries, dehydration, and burns. Treating these animals involves oxygen therapy, fluid support, and safe shelter far from the fire zones—putting an enormous strain on limited resources and personnel.
Many Americans believe staying indoors shields them from smoke, but wildfire smoke can seep through ventilation, windows, and even cracks in doors. PM2.5 particles—the tiny, toxic components of wildfire smoke—are small enough to pass through standard HVAC filters.
Without active intervention, indoor air can become nearly as polluted as the outside air, especially during prolonged fire seasons. Here’s how to protect your indoor air:
Use portable air purifiers with HEPA filters in living spaces and bedrooms.
Seal gaps and vents, especially in older homes.
Avoid using candles, incense, or vacuum cleaners during high-smoke days, as they can further degrade air quality.
Track air quality using apps like AirNow or PurpleAir to know when to ventilate and when to keep windows closed.
As wildfire seasons become longer and more intense due to climate change, the need for prevention and preparedness is urgent.
Support and use clean air shelters during severe smoke days.
Advocate for better urban planning and air quality regulations.
Invest in home air quality improvements.
Limit outdoor exposure during smoke alerts.
Use pet-safe indoor air purifiers.
Know the signs of respiratory distress and consult your vet if symptoms arise.
Support organizations working in wildlife rehabilitation and habitat restoration.
Push for better land management practices that reduce fire risk.
Advocate for stronger environmental protection policies to address climate drivers of wildfire severity.
Whether it’s your child, your cat, or a coyote fleeing a burning forest, wildfire smoke affects all living beings that breathe. It’s not just a byproduct of fire—it’s a public health crisis and an ecological emergency. By understanding the widespread impact and taking proactive steps, we can protect our air, our communities, and the ecosystems we depend on.
We've found that weight selection is the easiest and
best way to make sure our masks fit you well.
X-Large | 200lbs+ | 90+kgs |
Large | 130lbs-199lbs | 59-90kgs |
Medium | 85lbs-129lbs | 39-58kgs |
Small | 30lbs-84lbs | 14-38kgs |
* NOTE: if unsure or between two weights, we recommend you chose the NEXT SIZE UP.
Catches over 99% of airborne particulates
On any manufacturer defect
Based on 10763 reviews
