在野火导致空气质量恶化的情况下，公众需要根据污染程度采取相应防护措施。美国环保局（EPA）空气质量指数将空气状况分为几个等级：指数低于50属于"健康"水平，50至100为"中等"，100至150对敏感人群不健康，150以上则对所有人都构成威胁[1]。
敏感人群包括哮喘患者、肺病或慢性阻塞性肺病患者[1]。医学专家建议，这类人群在空气质量不佳时需特别警惕。医学博士桑杰·塞西表示："如果你有心脏或肺部问题，你必须更加小心。我会要么避免外出，要么戴N95口罩或至少戴防尘口罩"[1]。N95口罩能够过滤90至95%的颗粒[1]。
改善室内空气质量也是重要防护手段。建议关闭窗户并开启空调以循环室内空气，用毛毯堵住门下缝隙防止污染空气渗入，同时将空调滤芯更换为MERV 13型号[1]。
As wildfire smoke degrades air quality across affected regions, the Environmental Protection Agency provides guidance on assessing and responding to hazardous conditions.[1] The EPA's Air Quality Index categorizes air quality levels, with readings below 50 considered "good," 50 to 100 rated as "moderate," 100 to 150 classified as unhealthy for sensitive groups, and anything above 150 deemed unhealthy for the general population.[1]
Certain individuals face elevated health risks during poor air quality events.[1] Those with asthma, lung disease, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are considered sensitive populations and require enhanced precautions.[1] According to Dr. Sanjay Sethi, individuals with heart or lung conditions must exercise particular vigilance, stating: "If you have heart or lung problems, you must be more careful. I would either avoid going outside, or wear an N95 mask or at least wear a dust mask."[1] N95 masks can filter 90 to 95 percent of particles from the air.[1]
To mitigate indoor air exposure, residents can implement several practical measures.[1] Closing windows and running air conditioning systems to circulate indoor air helps reduce particle infiltration.[1] Sealing gaps beneath doors with blankets and upgrading air conditioning filters to MERV 13 models further improves indoor air quality.[1]