California Wildfire Resources

Wildfires have become a frequent and heartbreaking reality in California. With the current fires spreading in Los Angeles, many are facing evacuation and loss, making this an especially challenging time for everyone affected. Wildfires can not only devastate our homes, communities, and beautiful landscapes, but also significantly harm air quality, posing serious health risks. Wildfire smoke contains harmful chemicals and particles from burning trees, vegetation, structures, and vehicles. While outdoor workers are more at risk, everyone can be exposed and should know how to protect themselves.

The most harmful particles are called PM2.5. When the Air Quality Index (AQI) for PM2.5 reaches 151 or higher, the air is considered "unhealthy."

To check the AQI in your area, you can use the EPA AirNow app on your smartphone or online at https://www.airnow.gov/. The app provides the AQI and rates air quality as Good, Moderate, Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups, Unhealthy, Very Unhealthy, and Hazardous. 

If the AQI becomes unhealthy (151 or higher), there are several steps you and your employer can take to reduce exposure and protect health:

• Communicate wildfire smoke hazards clearly to employees and encourage them to report any hazards.
• Train employees on wildfire smoke protection according to safety regulations.
• Implement engineering controls to reduce PM2.5 exposure, such as providing enclosed, filtered-air structures or vehicles.
• Adjust work procedures or schedules when engineering controls are not feasible, like changing work locations or times.
• Provide respiratory protection, such as disposable masks or respirators.

By taking these measures, you can help protect yourself and others from the harmful effects of wildfire smoke.

Additional Resources

• AirNow (Check Air Quality Index in your area): https://www.airnow.gov/
• WatchDuty App (Wildfire Maps & Alerts): https://app.watchduty.org/
• AQMD Wildfire Smoke and Ash Health Safety Tips: https://www.aqmd.gov/home/air-quality/wildfire-health-info-smoke-tips
• Cal/OSHA Protecting Outdoor Workers Exposed to Smoke from Wildfires: https://www.dir.ca.gov/dosh/wildfire/worker-protection-from-wildfire-smoke.html
• UC Davis Health Effects of Wildfires (Downloadable PDF):  
  • File

    Health Effects of Wildfires (English).pdf
• UC Davis Wildfire Smoke Exposure – Employer Training Guide (Downloadable PDF): 
  • File

    Wildfire Smoke Exposure Guide (English).pdf
• Wildfire Safety Video (6 min.) - Available in your online customer portal. Log In here and access Training Videos.
  • Every year, wildfires burn across the U.S., and more and more people are living where wildfires are a real risk. Nearly 45 million homes abut or intermingle with wildlands and more than 72,000 U.S. communities are now at risk. But by working together residents can make their own property, and their neighborhood, much safer from wildfire.

• Asbestos and Natural Disasters Guide: https://www.asbestos.com/asbestos/natural-disasters/