Abstract
Fires pose serious but often overlooked health risks from smoke pollution, both outdoors and indoors. The number and severity of landscape fires is increasing and with it, the risks posed by air pollution, especially to vulnerable segments of the population.
Fire-related air pollution is episodic and fast-changing. Public health advice is often to stay indoors to avoid smoke exposure but homes and buildings are not always safe havens. A management and data gap exists, preventing rapid, tailored responses to events.
This article explores the use of new low-cost air sensors and modelling tools to improve real-time responses. To protect public health, these tools must be paired with coordinated response plans, improved public guidance, and wider access to indoor air filtration solutions such as portable air cleaners and HEPA systems.