Learn, Connect & Participate: Your Invitation to Growth
Wildfire Smoke and Your Health: Health and Safety Information, Education, and Resources for the Community
By: Dr. Zaw Wai Htoo, Community Nutrition and Health Program
University of California Cooperative Extension – San Francisco North Bay
Posted: July 30, 2026
Wildfire smoke can affect communities many miles from an active fire. Even if you are not near the fire itself, smoke can travel long distances and reduce air quality, potentially affecting your health.
As the Woodside Fire continues in Sonoma County, smoke may affect air quality across parts of Sonoma County and neighboring communities, depending on weather conditions and wind patterns. Air quality can change rapidly throughout the day. We encourage everyone to stay informed and take practical steps to reduce smoke exposure.
Figure 1. Wildfire Smoke Health and Safety Infographic
Current Situation
Figure 2. AirNow Air Quality Index (AQI) map showing air quality conditions across the North Bay. Dark brown areas indicate Hazardous (AQI 300+) air quality associated with wildfire smoke. Screenshot captured from AirNow.gov on July 30, 2026. Air quality conditions may change rapidly as weather, wind, and fire conditions evolve. Please refer to AirNow.gov for the latest air quality information.
Understanding the Air Quality Index (AQI)
The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a tool developed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to communicate how clean or polluted the air is and the potential health effects associated with current air quality conditions.
General guidance
- AQI 0–50 (Good)- Air quality poses little or no health risk.
- AQI 51–100 (Moderate)- Unusually sensitive individuals should consider reducing prolonged outdoor exertion.
- AQI 101–150 (Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups)- Children, older adults, pregnant individuals, and people with heart or lung disease should reduce prolonged outdoor activities.
- AQI 151–200 (Unhealthy)- Everyone should reduce prolonged or strenuous outdoor activities.
- AQI 201–300 (Very Unhealthy)- Avoid outdoor activities whenever possible and stay in cleaner indoor air.
- AQI 301 and above (Hazardous)- Avoid outdoor exposure, remain indoors if it is safe to do so, and follow guidance from public health and emergency officials.
Practical Steps to Reduce Smoke Exposure
You can help protect yourself and your family by taking the following actions-
- Check current AQI conditions before spending time outdoors.
- Reduce or postpone strenuous outdoor activities when smoke levels are elevated.
- Keep windows and doors closed when outdoor air is smoky and indoor temperatures remain safe.
- Create a cleaner indoor space by using a portable HEPA air cleaner if available.
- If you do not have a portable air cleaner, a properly constructed DIY box fan with a MERV-13 filter may help improve indoor air quality when used according to safety guidance.
- Avoid activities that create additional indoor air pollution, such as smoking, burning candles or incense, using fireplaces, or prolonged frying and broiling.
- If outdoor exposure cannot be avoided, wear a well-fitting NIOSH-approved N95 respirator.
- Stay hydrated and monitor yourself and family members for symptoms related to smoke exposure.
Protect Those at Greater Risk
Some individuals are more vulnerable to wildfire smoke and may experience health effects sooner than others.
These include-
- Older adults
- Infants and young children
- Pregnant individuals
- People with asthma, COPD, or other lung diseases
- Individuals with heart disease
- Outdoor workers
- People with disabilities or chronic medical conditions
- Individuals without access to cleaner indoor air or air filtration
Please consider checking on neighbors, family members, and friends who may need additional assistance during periods of poor air quality.
Know the Difference Between an Evacuation Warning and an Evacuation Order
During an active wildfire, emergency officials may issue evacuation notices.
- Evacuation Warning- Be prepared to leave quickly if conditions worsen. Gather medications, important documents, pets, and essential supplies.
- Evacuation Order- Leave immediately using designated evacuation routes. Do not delay to gather additional belongings.
Always follow instructions from local emergency management officials.
Figure 3. Screenshot of the CAL FIRE Woodside Fire incident map showing the fire location (approximately 143 acres, based on the latest official mapping) and current evacuation zones as of July 31, 2026. Red areas indicate Evacuation Orders, and Yellow areas indicate Evacuation Warnings. Conditions, fire size, and evacuation zones may change rapidly. Please refer to CAL FIRE and Sonoma County Emergency (SoCoEmergency) for the latest incident information and public safety updates. Basemap attribution: Esri, Vantor, Earthstar Geographics, and the GIS User Community | California State Parks, Esri, TomTom, Garmin, SafeGraph, GeoTechnologies, Inc., METI/NASA, USGS, Bureau of Land Management, EPA, NPS, USDA, and USFWS. Source: CAL FIRE – Woodside Fire Incident (https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/2026/7/30/woodside-fire/#newsUpdates).
Figure 4. Zoomed-in screenshot of the CAL FIRE Woodside Fire incident map showing the fire location, incident perimeter, and nearby evacuation zones as of July 31, 2026. Red areas indicate Evacuation Orders, and yellow areas indicate Evacuation Warnings. This closer view provides additional geographic detail of the areas affected by the incident. Conditions, fire size, and evacuation zones may change rapidly. Please refer to CAL FIRE and Sonoma County Emergency (SoCoEmergency) for the latest incident information and public safety updates. Basemap attribution: Esri, Vantor, Earthstar Geographics, and the GIS User Community | California State Parks, Esri, TomTom, Garmin, SafeGraph, GeoTechnologies, Inc., METI/NASA, USGS, Bureau of Land Management, EPA, NPS, USDA, and USFWS. Source: CAL FIRE – Woodside Fire Incident (https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/2026/7/30/woodside-fire/#newsUpdates).
Watch for Smoke-Related Symptoms
Wildfire smoke may cause-
- Coughing or wheezing
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Eye, nose, or throat irritation
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Chest discomfort or chest pain
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat
Seek medical attention promptly if symptoms become severe or do not improve. Call 911 immediately for severe difficulty breathing, chest pain, signs of a heart attack or stroke, loss of consciousness, or another medical emergency.
Stay Informed
For the latest wildfire and air quality information, please visit:
- AirNow Fire and Smoke Map
- CAL FIRE Incident Information
- Sonoma County Emergency Information
- California Department of Public Health
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
The Community Nutrition and Health Program at the University of California Cooperative Extension, San Francisco North Bay, provides timely, evidence-informed educational resources that help individuals, families, and communities make informed decisions to protect their health during emergencies.
While wildfire smoke can pose significant health risks, practical actions such as monitoring air quality, reducing smoke exposure, creating cleaner indoor environments, and staying informed through trusted sources can help reduce those risks.
This educational resource is intended to support public health awareness and preparedness. It does not replace guidance from healthcare professionals, emergency management agencies, or local public health authorities. During an active wildfire, always follow official evacuation orders, emergency alerts, and public safety instructions.
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Best Ways and Practical Strategies to Manage Prediabetes and Diabetes
Join us online via Zoom or in person for a free seminar exploring practical health and nutrition strategies to help manage and prevent diabetes and prediabetes.
Event Details & Speaker
- Date and Time: Tuesday, March 10, 2026
- Time: 12:30 pm-1:15 pm PT
- Zoom link: https://t.ly/webinar3.uc https://ucanr.zoom.us/meeting/register/DG6c9LsHRoWlV78MntMcNw
- Location (In-person): Warner Creek Senior Center, 806 Diablo Ave, Novato, CA 94947
- Speaker: Dr. Zaw Wai Htoo, University of California Cooperative Extension
What you'll learn
- Understanding prediabetes and diabetes
- Effective dietary strategies
- Healthy lifestyle habits for better blood sugar control
- Practical tips for daily management
This event is Free and open to all!
Contact Monina Hamilton: (415) 895-5544
Email: mhamilton@hbofm.org
Accessibility note: The original JPG flyer is included below as a visual reference only. All essential event information is provided above in accessible, screen-reader compatible text. Descriptive alt text is also included with the image.
Visual reference (image)
Unlock Your Heart Health Seminar: Pathways to Longevity - Understanding Heart Disease, High Cholesterol (Hyperlipidemia), and Nutrition
Date: April 30, 2025
Time: 1:00-2:30 PM PT
Dual Access- In-person or via Zoom
Enjoy the convenience of tuning in via Zoom from anywhere!
Location: Cloverdale Multipurpose Senior Center, 311 North Main Street, Cloverdale, CA, 95425
via Zoom (click this link or copy and paste it in your web browser): https://t.ly/heart-health-seminar.uc
Join us for a transformative session in our ongoing health seminar series! This 90-minute seminar dives deep into the heart of cardiovascular health. Whether you're at risk, currently managing heart health issues, or simply interested in preventive strategies, this session is designed for everyone!
𝑭𝑹𝑬𝑬 𝑨𝒅𝒎𝒊𝒔𝒔𝒊𝒐𝒏! Don’t miss this chance to learn crucial information that could safeguard your health for years to come. Whether you’re attending in person or online, we’re making it easy to access important health education. Let's take a step towards a healthier heart together!
#HeartHealth #Longevity #HealthyLiving #SeniorHealth #PreventHeartDisease #NutritionMatters #UnlockYourHeartHealth #CloverdaleEvents #PublicHealth #EatForYourHeart #HealthyHeart #WellnessJourney #CommunityHealth #HealthEducation #UCCE #UCCEMarin #UCCESonoma #UCCENapa #MarinCounty #SonomaCounty #NapaCounty #NorthBayEvents #NorthBayHealth #BayAreaHealth #FoodIsMedicine
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Deeper Understanding of Diabetes & Blood Sugar Management
Wednesday, March 19, 2025
10:30 am - 12:00 pm
In-Person: Vivalon's Healthy Aging Campus, 999 Third Street, San Rafael
Zoom: Click here or https://t.ly/diabetes-seminar1.uc
Social Media: Facebook, Instagram
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Hypertension & Heart Health
Wednesday, February 26, 2025
1:00-2:30 PM PT
Speaker: Dr. Zaw Wai Htoo, Advisor, University of California Cooperative Extension, San Francisco North Bay
Zoom: https://t.ly/webinar2.uc
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Feast and Finesse: Mastering Nutrition in Aging
Feast and Finesse: Mastering Nutrition in Aging
Online webinar
Wednesday, February 26, 10:00-11:15 AM
Do you still savor your meals? Is eating after 60 the same as it was in our 20's? Do you understand what nutrients you need in your diet now or why you might have changes in your appetite? Why does every bite matter now? Can we still indulge? Has your relationship with food changed over the years?
Join us to discuss these ideas and to learn:
- the different nutrient needs we have after 60
- the consequences of unintentional malnutrition
- how every bite matters, every bite counts
- how to have a balanced approach while finding pleasure and joy in the food you eat and the choices you make
Speakers:
Zaw Wai Htoo, University of California Cooperative Extension, Community Nutrition and Health Advisor, San Francisco North Bay
Jenna Ray, Senior Nutritionist Marin County Area Agency on Aging
Hosts:
Sara Robinson, Age and Disability Friendly San Anselmo Pati Stoliar, Age-Friendly Corte Madera
Register for this free event today:
https://bit.ly/NutritioninAging
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Practical Strategies and Tools for Managing Blood Sugar and Body Weight Through Personalized/Targeted Nutrition
Estrategias Prácticas y Herramientas para Controlar el Azúcar en la Sangre y el Peso Corporal a través de Nutrición Personalizada/Dirigida
Deeper understanding of Diabetes & Blood Sugar Management
Healthy Living - Tips and Tools for A Better You
