Wildfire Smoke in Your Home: Protect Air and Clean Up
How to keep wildfire smoke out of your home, what to do about ash and odor afterward and when to call a professional.
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Tell the operator your city, what happened and whether the fire department has cleared the building. You will be connected with a local provider that covers your area.
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- Give your city and ZIP code
- Say what happened and whether the fire is out
- Ask the company about its license and insurance
Quick answer
Keep doors and windows closed during smoke, use a clean higher rated HVAC filter or a portable air cleaner and clean ash with a HEPA vacuum and damp cloths while wearing an N95 respirator. Call a professional if odor or residue persists.
During a smoke event
- Keep windows and doors closed.
- Run the HVAC on recirculate with a clean, higher rated filter such as MERV 13 if your system can handle it.
- Use a portable HEPA air cleaner in a main room, or a do it yourself box fan and MERV 13 filter design described in EPA research.
- Avoid activities that add particles indoors, such as frying and burning candles.
After the smoke clears
- Replace HVAC and air cleaner filters.
- Wear a well fitted N95 and gloves to handle ash.
- Use a HEPA vacuum and damp wiping. Do not use a leaf blower or dry sweep.
- Wash washable fabrics and clean hard surfaces from top to bottom.
- Ventilate when outdoor air quality is good.
When to call a company
Call if there is persistent odor, visible residue in the attic or HVAC system, or if smoke exposure was heavy or prolonged. The ANSI/IICRC S700 standard says it does not comprehensively address wildfires, so ask the company how it plans the work.
Who needs extra care
Children, older adults, pregnant people and anyone with asthma, lung or heart conditions are more sensitive to smoke. Keep them out of cleanup and talk to a healthcare provider if symptoms continue.
Sources and further reading
- U.S. EPA: Indoor air quality
- IICRC: ANSI/IICRC S700 Standard for Professional Fire and Smoke Damage Restoration
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