Western US Wildfire Smoke Triggers Health Alerts in California, Washington and Bay Area

Wildfire smoke from the Gann Fire in Calaveras County, California, has prompted local air‑quality officials to urge residents to keep indoor air clean, wear N95 or KN95 masks when outdoors and limit exposure, especially for children, the elderly, pregnant women and those with heart or lung conditions.

In southwest Washington, health officials advise people to keep windows and doors closed, set HVAC systems to recirculate, keep inhalers and other medications on hand, stay hydrated and seek emergency care if severe breathing difficulties occur.

The Bay Area Air District extended its air‑quality advisory through Thursday as smoke from uncontained wildfires in Oregon and Washington drifts into the region, warning that particulate matter can irritate eyes and airways and that older adults, children and people with respiratory illnesses are especially vulnerable.

Drone footage from Spokane shows the Old Trails Fire’s uneven destruction, with some homes razed while nearby trees appear untouched, underscoring the broader health and safety impacts of wildfires on communities across the western United States.