Wildfire Smoke: Looking After Your Health During Fire Season
Originally written by Dr Stephens for the Montrose Mirror 7/6/26.
As I write this, the Gold Mountain Fire has grown to over 18,000 acres, and the acrid smell of smoke feels impossible to escape. Even though most of us are many miles from the fire itself, wildfire smoke can still have a significant impact on our health.
The main concern isn't simply that the air smells smoky (as disturbing as that is!) —it's the tiny matter suspended within it. These microscopic particles, known as PM2.5 (Particulate Matter less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter - a micrometer is one thousandth of a millimeter), are small enough to travel far into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream. According to AirNow.gov, the current Air Quality Index (AQI) in Montrose is 177, meaning the PM2.5 levels are high, and air quality is at an “Unhealthy” level.
While poor air quality can affect all of us, the following groups of people are particularly vulnerable: older adults, children and teens, pregnant women, and those with heart or lung conditions.
If you fall into one of these categories, it is advisable to monitor the advice from airnow.gov regularly to help you decide whether or not to spend time outdoors. As conditions can change quickly, I recommend checking the air quality both while making plans and right before you head out. For the foreseeable future though, we’d all be wise to limit the amount of time we spend outdoors, particularly when the AQI reaches “Unhealthy” levels.
The combination of high temperatures and poor air quality places additional strain on the body, so staying well hydrated and avoiding strenuous outdoor activity is even more important on these hot, smoky days.
Even if you don’t fall into one of the above ‘at risk’ categories, it’s generally a good idea to cut back on strenuous outdoor activity when conditions are as bad as they’ve been lately. This is for two reasons:
1. Even those who aren’t at risk can still develop significant symptoms when exercising in smoky air.
2. Spending less time outdoors can reduce some of the milder symptoms, such as headache, eye irritation, cough and fatigue.
If you need to be outdoors, you can reduce your risk of inhaling as many PM2.5 particles by wearing a properly fitted N95 facemask. [Note - the Montrose library is currently giving out free facemasks for anyone interested.]
For those staying indoors who would also like to reduce their risk and improve their air quality, consider picking up an in-home HEPA air cleaner, or even building one yourself!
If you have a medical condition that affects your breathing, such as asthma or COPD, please check that you have enough of your usual inhalers (both your everyday ‘maintenance’ inhaler and your as-needed ‘rescue’ inhaler, if relevant) and reach out to your primary care practice if you are running low.
Please also monitor your breathing and schedule an appointment if you are developing symptoms of a flare-up, such as cough, wheeze, tightness in the chest, or breathing harder than usual even with mild exertion, e.g. walking around the house. I’d recommend an urgent/same-day appointment if you are concerned or if you are needing your rescue inhaler more than usual. For any severe symptoms, such as significant breathlessness at rest, chest pain, lightheadedness or confusion, please head to the ER immediately.
The EPA’s Air Quality Guide gives helpful advice on what each air quality category means and practical tips on how to stay safe. Essentially, the current AQI can affect everyone, regardless of age or medical condition, and it is sensible to avoid long or intense outdoor activities. Please also think about checking on friends, family and neighbors who may be frailer and in need of support. If you are not in the high risk categories, even something as simple as walking a neighbor’s dog or picking up groceries could be a real help to someone who needs it.
Remember, if you have asthma, COPD, or another chronic heart or lung condition, don't ignore worsening symptoms. If you're already established with a primary care provider, please reach out to them. If you don't currently have a family physician, my practice, Cimarron Family Practice currently has appointments available and I’d be happy to help.