Guides
The New 2024 AQI Scale for PM2.5, Explained
EPA changed the PM2.5 AQI on May 6, 2024. See why 12.0 ug/m3 is now AQI 56, what the six categories mean, and why many apps still show the old numbers.
How to Choose an Air Purifier for Wildfire SmokePick an air purifier that actually clears wildfire smoke: true HEPA, smoke CADR, the AHAM two-thirds rule, air changes per hour, and small, medium, and large tiers.
California Fire Map: CAL FIRE, InciWeb and Smoke TrackingHow to track California wildfires and smoke — the CAL FIRE incident map, InciWeb, county evacuation sources and the AirNow smoke map — with live Los Angeles air quality.
Car Cabin Air Filters and Wildfire SmokeUse recirculate mode, upgrade to a HEPA or activated-carbon cabin filter, know when to replace it, and turn your car into a temporary clean space during smoke.
How to Build a Corsi-Rosenthal Box for Wildfire SmokeBuild a Corsi-Rosenthal box for about $70: a 20-inch fan plus four MERV-13 filters that clears smoke like a mid-size purifier. Parts, steps, safety, filter life.
How to Set Up a Clean Room During Wildfire SmokeTurn one room into a clean-air refuge during a smoke event: pick a low-window room, seal it, run a right-sized purifier or CR box, keep the door shut, and monitor PM2.5.
Home PM2.5 Monitors: Sensors and the EPA CorrectionWhy consumer PM2.5 monitors over-read in wildfire smoke, what the EPA correction fixes, what to look for in a home sensor, and how to use it with AirNow.
HVAC Filters and MERV Ratings for Wildfire SmokeWhat MERV ratings mean, why MERV-13 is the smoke sweet spot for a home furnace, how to check your system can handle it, filter sizes, and swap cadence.
How to Keep Wildfire Smoke Out of Your HouseSeal windows, switch your HVAC to recirculate, run a MERV-13 filter, and add a purifier. A room-by-room plan to keep wildfire smoke and PM2.5 outside.
Kids, Schools, and AQI: A Parent's Wildfire Smoke GuideWhy children are more vulnerable to wildfire smoke, the AQI cutoffs schools use for recess and sports, and what to ask staff plus indoor-air steps.
N95 vs KN95 vs P100 for Wildfire Smoke: Which to WearN95, KN95, or P100 for wildfire smoke? Compare filtration, fit and seal, comfort, valves, and reuse — and why a cloth mask does almost nothing for PM2.5.
Nebraska Fire Map: Tracking Wildfires and Smoke in NebraskaNebraska's wildfire resources — the state's live ArcGIS wildfire tracker, the DWEE air-quality pages, InciWeb and the AirNow smoke map — plus live Omaha air quality.
Nevada Fire Map: Tracking Wildfires Near Reno and StatewideNevada's official wildfire resources — the state wildfire dashboard, Nevada OEM, InciWeb and the AirNow smoke map — what each shows, with live Reno and Las Vegas air quality.
Oregon Fire Map: Where to Track Wildfires and Smoke in 2026The official Oregon fire maps — ODF, the State Fire Marshal dashboard, InciWeb and the EPA smoke map — what each shows, how to read them, and live Oregon smoke conditions.
Pets and Wildfire Smoke: Protecting Dogs, Cats, and Birds from PM2.5How wildfire smoke harms dogs, cats, and birds, the warning signs to watch, and exactly how to shelter your pets during a smoke event.
Portland Fire Map: Wildfires and Smoke Around Portland, OregonHow Portlanders track wildfires and smoke: ODF, State Fire Marshal, InciWeb, the AirNow smoke map — plus live Portland air quality and smoke forecast.
Utah Fire Map: Tracking Wildfires and Smoke Across UtahUtah's official fire resources — Utah Fire Info, the state wildfire dashboard, InciWeb and the AirNow smoke map — what each covers, plus live Wasatch Front air quality.
Wildfire Smoke and Your Health: PM2.5 Effects, Symptoms, and What To DoHow wildfire smoke PM2.5 affects your body, the symptoms to watch, who is most at risk, and exactly what to do at each AQI level.