Wildfire smoke map & air quality
Current air quality and the next three days of smoke forecast for your location, and what the AQI numbers mean for going outside.
What the Air Quality Index means
| US AQI | Category | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| 0–50 | Good | No precautions needed. |
| 51–100 | Moderate | Unusually sensitive people may want to reduce long or heavy exertion outdoors. |
| 101–150 | Unhealthy for sensitive groups | People with heart or lung disease, older adults, children, and pregnant people should reduce long or heavy outdoor exertion. |
| 151–200 | Unhealthy | Everyone should reduce outdoor exertion; sensitive groups should avoid it. |
| 201–300 | Very unhealthy | Everyone should avoid long or heavy exertion outdoors. |
| 301+ | Hazardous | Everyone should avoid all physical activity outdoors. |
Categories: US EPA Air Quality Index (AirNow.gov).
Why wildfire smoke is measured as PM2.5
The part of smoke that matters most for health is fine particles 2.5 micrometers across or smaller (PM2.5) — small enough to get deep into the lungs. The AQI during smoke events is driven almost entirely by PM2.5. The forecast here comes from the CAMS atmospheric model, which tracks smoke plumes across the continent; for official measurements from ground monitors, check AirNow's Fire and Smoke Map.
Protecting yourself on smoky days
- Stay indoors with windows and doors closed; run the AC on recirculate.
- A portable HEPA air cleaner in the room you spend most time in makes a real difference.
- If you must be outside, a well-fitted N95 respirator filters smoke particles; cloth and surgical masks do not.
- Put off exercise outdoors until the AQI drops.
Sources: EPA / AirNow “Wildfire Smoke” guidance; CDC wildfire smoke guidance.
Questions
What AQI is unsafe from wildfire smoke?
Above 100 (orange) the air is unhealthy for sensitive groups; above 150 (red) it is unhealthy for everyone, and above 200 very unhealthy.
How far does wildfire smoke travel?
Hundreds to thousands of miles — smoke from large western and Canadian fires regularly reaches the Midwest and East Coast. That's why smoke days don't always match nearby fires.
Is this smoke forecast official?
It is a model forecast (CAMS via Open-Meteo), good for seeing where smoke is heading over the next three days. For official current readings from monitors, use AirNow.
Get alerts before the smoke arrives
Wildfire Tracker for iPhone: fires near your saved places, containment, wind direction and air quality — with alerts only for fires that are actually active. Free, no account.