Office of Communications

Wildfire Safety

Visit the CDPH Wildfires page or the California 2025 Los Angeles Fires page for resources and information about wildfire recovery.

Millions of people living in California are impacted by wildfires and wildfire smoke every year. During a wildfire event, always protect yourself and your loved ones. If you are ordered to evacuate your home or the area, do so immediately.

Wildfire smoke contains many air pollutants that can trigger respiratory (lung) problems and asthma. Those most at risk include older adults, pregnant women, children, first responders and people with chronic respiratory and heart conditions.

The messages below include tips, such as staying indoors when a wildfire creates smoke in your area, how N95 masks can help protect from wildfire smoke, and what items to grab if you must quickly evacuate.

Resources

2025 Los Angeles Fires

CDPH: Wildfire Safety Page

CDPH: Wildfires & Mental Health

CDPH: Reduce Exposure to Ash

CDPH: Vital Records

AirNow.gov: Air Quality

Calhope.org: Mental Health

Listos: Disaster Resources

Ca.gov:

Mental Health
CalRecycle: Wildfire Cleanup for Homeowners

CDPH Material Co-brand Disclaimer Local health jurisdictions (LHJs) and community-based organizations (CBOs) may co-brand materials created by CDPH (those in CDPH Office of Communications Toolkits) by adding their agency logo next to or near the CDPH logo. Be sure there is ample space between the two logos. Materials may not be altered or edited in any other way, including removal or adjustment of the CDPH logo.

Fact Sheets

Coping with Stress from Natural Disasters fact sheet

Coping with Stress from Natural Disasters (English, PDF)

Reduce Exposure to Ash (English, PDF)
Reduce Exposure to Ash (Spanish, PDF)
Reduce Exposure to Ash (Armenian, PDF)
Reduce Exposure to Ash (Traditional Chinese, PDF)
Reduce Exposure to Ash (Simplified Chinese, PDF)
Reduce Exposure to Ash (Korean, PDF)
Reduce Exposure to Ash (Tagalog, PDF)
Reduce Exposure to Ash (Vietnamese, PDF)

Protecting Your Health from Wildfire

Smoke & Ash (English, PDF)

Protecting Your Health from Wildfire

Smoke & Ash (Spanish, PDF)

Protecting Your Health from Wildfire

Smoke & Ash (Armenian, PDF)

Protecting Your Health from Wildfire

Smoke & Ash (Traditional Chinese, PDF)

Protecting Your Health from Wildfire

Smoke & Ash (Simplified Chinese, PDF)

Protecting Your Health from Wildfire

Smoke & Ash (Korean, PDF)

Protecting Your Health from Wildfire

Smoke & Ash (Tagalog, PDF)

Protecting Your Health from Wildfire

Smoke & Ash (Vietnamese, PDF)

Videos

What You Need to Know About Wildfire Smoke & Ash

Posted to Facebook, January 2025

Wildfire smoke and ash can pose serious health risks. Dr. Erica Pan shares four tips to stay safe from the effects of wildfire smoke and ash. For more wildfire tips and resources, visit go.cdph.ca.gov/wildfires.

Watch and share on Facebook

Social Media

To use these images, click on each one to enlarge the image, then right click and “save as.”

Wildfire Smoke Inhalation & Air Quality

Wildfire Safety & Preparedness

Mental Health

Ash Safety

Virus Prevention in Shelters

Spanish

Suggested Messaging:

If you’ve been impacted by the SoCal wildfires or know someone who has, visit ca.gov/LAfires for resources:

✅ Emergency updates

🏠 Shelter locations

🤝 Recovery assistance

Stay informed and share this to support your neighbors.

https://www.ca.gov/LAfires

Lost vital records in wildfire? CDPH can help.

Suggested Messaging:

If you lost important documents in the Los Angeles fires, such as a birth or marriage certificate, CDPH can replace them for free.

Order new copies of your records: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CHSI/Pages/Vital-Records.aspx

Wildfire Smoke Inhalation & Air Quality

Who is at higher risk of getting sick from wildfire smoke?

People with chronic conditions like: asthma, COPD, diabetes, Kidney disease, heart disease

Who’s at risk? Pregnant people, children, older adults, first responders

Suggested Messaging:

Wildfire smoke can make anyone sick, but some people are at higher risk. Take steps to reduce breathing in air pollutants, especially during and after a wildfire:

Check the air quality and sign up for updates
If the air quality is bad, stay inside as much as possible and close all windows, doors and vents
Change settings on your A/C unit to re-circulate, close outdoor air intakes and/or run an air purifier
If you have to go outside, wear an N95 or P100 mask.

Learn more: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/EPO/Pages/Wildfire%20Pages/Smoke-Ash-Safety.aspx
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Wildfire smoke can make anyone sick, but some people have a higher risk. Take precautions:

Monitor air quality
Close windows, doors & vents
Set A/C unit to re-circulate, close outdoor air intakes and/or run an air purifier
Wear an N95 or P100 if you must go outside

https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/EPO/Pages/Wildfire%20Pages/Smoke-Ash-Safety.aspx

Suggested Messaging:

Protect yourself and your loved ones from wildfire smoke and ash, which can cause persistent cough, runny nose, phlegm, wheezing, and difficulty breathing. Take steps to reduce breathing in air pollutants:

Check the air quality and sign up for updates
If the air quality is bad, stay inside as much as possible and close all windows, doors and vents
Change settings on your A/C unit to re-circulate, close outdoor air intakes and/or run an air purifier

Learn more ways to protect yourself from smoke and ash during wildfires: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/EPO/Pages/Wildfire%20Pages/Smoke-Ash-Safety.aspx
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Wildfires release harmful smoke & ash into the air. Take steps to reduce breathing in air pollutants during and after a wildfire:

Monitor air quality
Close windows, doors & vents
Set A/C unit to re-circulate, close outdoor air intakes and/or run an air purifier

https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/EPO/Pages/Wildfire%20Pages/Smoke-Ash-Safety.aspx

Smoke and ash from wildfires can affect breathing.

Suggested Messaging:

Smoke and ash from wildfires can affect how you breathe, especially for those with breathing problems. If you or anyone in your family has asthma or another lung disease, keep at least a 7-day supply of medication on hand and call a health care provider if nearby wildfires worsen breathing issues.

Learn more about wildfire smoke and chronic conditions: https://www.cdc.gov/wildfires/risk-factors/wildfire-smoke-and-people-with-chronic-conditions.html

If you or a family member has asthma or another lung disease, keep at least a 7-day supply of medication on hand and call a health care provider if nearby wildfires worsen breathing issues.

Learn more about wildfire smoke and chronic conditions: https://www.cdc.gov/wildfires/risk-factors/wildfire-smoke-and-people-with-chronic-conditions.html

Eye and respiratory irritation, reduced lung function

Suggested Messaging:

Wildfire smoke and ash can irritate your eyes and make it hard to breathe. If you are near a wildfire or wildfire smoke, stay indoors and reduce outdoor activity. Wear an N95 or P100 mask if you must go outdoors. Learn more: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/EPO/Pages/Wildfire%20Pages/Smoke-Ash-Safety.aspx

Suggested Messaging:

Smoke from wildfires can cause eye and respiratory (lung) issues. Use an N95 or P100 mask to filter out pollutants and support your breathing in areas with poor air quality. Find your location’s current air quality at www.airnow.gov and learn how to protect your health from wildfire smoke at: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/EPO/Pages/Wildfire Pages/Smoke-Ash-Safety.aspx

N95 masks What are they and what do they do? An N95 respirator is a filter mask that fits over the nose and mouth. When properly fitted, it can filter 95% of smoke particles.

Suggested Messaging:

If you are near a wildfire the best way to avoid smoke inhalation is to stay inside. If you must go outside in smoky conditions, use an N95 respirator mask. For more information on masks go to: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/EPO/Pages/Wildfire%20Pages/Wildfires--.aspx

N95 Masks. What do they protect against? Dust, fumes, mists, aerosols, and smoke particulates, pollen, mold spores, bacteria, viruses, animal dander and allergens.

Suggested Messaging:

N95 masks can filter out pollutants, including smoke from wildfires, and make breathing safer. For more information on masks and wildfire safety go to: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/EPO/Pages/Wildfire%20Pages/Wildfires--.aspx

Wildfire Safety & Preparedness

Protect yourself and your loved one this wildfire season

Suggested Messaging:

During a wildfire event, the priority is to protect yourself and your loved ones! If you are ordered to evacuate your home or the area, do so immediately. All else is secondary.

Learn more: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/EPO/Pages/Wildfire%20Pages/Wildfires--.aspx

Suggested Messaging:

When a wildfire is threatening your area, be sure to:

Monitor local area radio or television stations for the latest wildfire information.
Be prepared to evacuate on a moment’s notice.
Make sure you have an emergency kit, complete with medications, copies of prescriptions and medical supplies.
Arrange to stay with family or friends outside the threatened area or locate nearby shelters.

Learn more at: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/EPO/Pages/Wildfire%20Pages/Wildfires--.aspx

Suggested Messaging:

If you’re ordered to evacuate, always do so immediately! The “Ps of Preparedness” and having a plan can help you get ready if an evacuation order comes. Here’s a list of things to remember when preparing for a wildfire evacuation:

People (help children, older adults and people with disabilities)
Pets
Papers (important documents)
Phones
Prescriptions (and glasses)
Pictures
PCs (for the information stored)
Plastic (credit cards and cash)

Learn more: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/EPO/Pages/Wildfire%20Pages/Wildfires--.aspx
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If you’re ordered to evacuate, do so immediately! The “Ps of Preparedness” can help you remember what to gather if a wildfire threatens your area.
Learn more: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/EPO/Pages/Wildfire%20Pages/Wildfires--.aspx

Wildfire season is here. Plan ahead, don't wait!

Suggested Messaging:

Wildfire season is here—are you ready? Plan ahead so you can react quickly if needed. Be ready to go with:

3-day emergency kit with essential items (food, water, records, medication) for each family member and pet
N95 masks
Evacuation plans

Get information on the best ways to prepare for wildfires at: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/EPO/Pages/Wildfire%20Pages/Wildfires-.aspx

Suggested Messaging:

Practice food safety if your power goes out.

Keep the refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible. A refrigerator will keep food cold for about 4 hours if the door is kept closed. A full freezer will hold its temperature for about 48 hours (24 hours if half full).
If the power has been out for more than 4 hours, throw out refrigerated perishable foods.
Once power is restored, use appliance thermometers to keep the freezer at 0℉ or below and the refrigerator at 40℉ or below.
Use dry ice or freeze containers of water and gel packs to help keep food cold if the power goes out.
When in doubt, throw it out.

Learn more about food safety during power outages: https://www.cdc.gov/food-safety/foods/keep-food-safe-after-emergency.html

Practice food safety when your power goes out by keeping your refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible. When in doubt, throw it out.

Learn more about food safety during power outages: https://www.cdc.gov/food-safety/foods/keep-food-safe-after-emergency.html

Mental Health

Suggested Messaging:

Emotional distress during a wildfire can be incredibly challenging, but help is available. If you or someone you know needs help, call the free Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990. It is available in multiple languages, including American Sign Language. Learn more at go.cdph.ca.gov/WildfireMentalHealth

If you or someone you know is experiencing emotional distress due to the wildfires, call the free Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990. Learn more at go.cdph.ca.gov/WildfireMentalHealth

Suggested Messaging:
Many people experience stress, anxiety and distress during and after a wildfire. It’s important to find healthy ways to cope when these events happen. If possible:

Avoid alcohol and drugs
Get enough sleep
Reach out to family and friends

If you or someone you know needs help, call the free Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990. Learn more tips at go.cdph.ca.gov/WildfireMentalHealth
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Many people feel stressed, anxious and distressed during and after a wildfire. It's important to find healthy ways to cope and support your mental health. Learn how: go.cdph.ca.gov/WildfireMentalHealth

Help your children cope from anxiety and stress caused by wildfires.

Suggested Messaging:
Children may have a difficult time dealing with the stress and anxiety caused by wildfires. During this time, it’s important to pay close attention to children’s emotional well-being by watching for changes in behavior and listening carefully to questions. You can help your children cope by:

Validating their feelings
Providing chances for them to talk and express themselves through outlets like drawing or playing
Encouraging them to eat healthy food, exercise and maintain healthy sleep patterns
Limiting their news consumption
Maintaining the same daily schedule when possible

Get more information at go.cdph.ca.gov/WildfireMentalHealth
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Children may have a difficult time dealing with the stress and anxiety caused by the wildfires. Parents can help their children cope and process their emotions.
Learn how: go.cdph.ca.gov/WildfireMentalHealth

Ash Safety

Suggested Messaging:
During and after wildfires, ash can blow into your garden and cover your plants and produce. Follow these steps to protect yourself from ash, which can contain toxic chemicals that can be harmful to your health:

Wait until conditions outside clear before removing ash from your garden
Carefully inspect your produce for any signs of ash deposit.
Wash and scrub produce well before storing, cooking, canning or eating.
Remove the outer leaves of leafy green vegetables like lettuce, kale and swiss chard.
Peel potatoes and other root vegetables before eating. If possible, peel other fruits and vegetables too.
Do not plant root vegetables in contaminated soil.

Learn more tips: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/EPO/Pages/Wildfire%20Pages/ash-homegardens.aspx

During and after wildfires, ash can blow into your garden and cover your plants and produce. Learn tips to protect yourself from ash, which can contain toxic chemicals that can be harmful to your health: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/EPO/Pages/Wildfire%20Pages/ash-homegardens.aspx

Keep your kids away from ash and clean their toys.

Suggested Messaging:
Ash from nearby wildfires and burnt structures can cause health issues. Keep kids away from ash and make sure to clean any toys with ash on them before your kids play with them.
Learn more: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/EPO/Pages/Wildfire%20Pages/Safe-Cleanup-of-Ash.aspx

Keep your home ash free. Clean indoor surfaces often.

Suggested Messaging:

Ash from nearby wildfires and burnt structures can get into your home and irritate your skin, eyes, nose and throat. Keep you and your home safe when cleaning inside:

Wear a close-fitting N95 or P100 mask
Clean surfaces often
Use a damp cloth, HEPA-filter vacuum cleaner and wet mop Do not use shop or other common vacuums
Do not use a broom

Learn more: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/EPO/Pages/Wildfire%20Pages/Safe-Cleanup-of-Ash.aspx

Dust & ash particles can irritate your skin, eyes, nose & throat. When cleaning ash inside:

Wear an N95 or P100 mask
Clean surfaces often
Use a damp cloth, HEPA-filter vacuum cleaner and wet mop Don’t use shop/other common vacuums
Don’t use a broom

https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/EPO/Pages/Wildfire%20Pages/Safe-Cleanup-of-Ash.aspx

Returning home after a wildfire? Stay safe from ash.

Suggested Messaging:

Wildfires can leave dangerous ash and debris in their wake. Stay inside if there’s active wildfires or poor air quality in your area.

Ash contains toxic metals and chemicals that can harm your health. It can irritate the skin, eyes, nose and throat, make it hard to breathe and cause other health problems. It is especially hazardous to older adults, children, pregnant women and people with heart and lung disease, including asthma.

Learn more: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/EPO/Pages/Wildfire%20Pages/Safe-Cleanup-of-Ash.aspx

Stay inside if there’s active wildfires or poor air quality in your area. Ash contains toxic metals and chemicals that can harm your health. It can irritate the skin, eyes, nose and throat, make it hard to breathe and cause other health problems.

https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/EPO/Pages/Wildfire%20Pages/Safe-Cleanup-of-Ash.aspx

Virus Prevention in Shelters

Suggested Messaging:
If you're in an evacuation shelter due to the wildfires in Los Angeles, make sure you're not only staying safe from smoke but also from germs. 🦠 Here are some key tips for virus prevention:
😷 Wear a high-quality mask like an N95 to shield yourself from harmful viruses.
🧼 Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially before meals. If soap isn’t available, use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
🤧 Cough or sneeze into your elbow or a tissue. Discard the tissue immediately and wash/sanitize your hands.
For more information, visit go.cdph.ca.gov/respiratory-viruses
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During evacuations, health risks go beyond smoke. Viruses spread quickly in shelters. Stay safe with these tips:

😷 Wear a high-quality mask
🧼 Wash hands for 20 secs or use 60%+ alcohol sanitizer
🤧 Cover coughs/sneezes & dispose of tissues properly.

go.cdph.ca.gov/respiratory-viruses

Protect yourself from viruses in shelters

Suggested Messaging:

During wildfire evacuations, health risks extend beyond the smoke. Viruses like the flu, COVID-19, RSV and norovirus can spread quickly in crowded spaces. Here’s how to stay safe while in a shelter:

😷 Wear a high-quality mask to reduce the spread of respiratory viruses.

🧼 Wash hands frequently for at least 20 seconds or use a hand sanitizer (60%+ alcohol) when soap isn’t available. Note- only soap and water work on norovirus germs!

🤧 Cover your coughs and sneezes with your elbow, arm, or a tissue. Discard tissues immediately and sanitize your hands.

By following these steps, you’re helping protect not only yourself but everyone around you. Stay safe, stay healthy.

Learn more: go.cdph.ca.gov/respiratory-viruses

During evacuations, health risks go beyond smoke. Viruses like flu, COVID-19, RSV and norovirus spread quickly in shelters. Stay safe with these tips:
😷 Wear a high-quality mask
🧼 Wash hands for 20 secs or use 60%+ alcohol sanitizer (soap & water only work on norovirus)
🤧 Cover coughs/sneezes & dispose of tissues properly

go.cdph.ca.gov/respiratory-viruses

Spanish

To use these images, click on each one to enlarge the image, then right click and "save as."

Para todos los afectados por los incendios de Los Ángeles

Suggested Messaging in Spanish:

Si te has visto afectado por los incendios forestales del sur de California o conoces a alguien que lo haya sido, visita ca.gov/LAfires para obtener recursos:  

Actualizaciones de emergencia 
Ubicaciones de los refugios 
Asistencia de recuperación

Mantente informado y comparte esto para apoyar a tus vecinos.

https://www.ca.gov/LAfires

¿Perdiste registros vitales en un incendio forestal? CDPH puede ayudar.

Suggested Messaging in Spanish:
Si perdiste documentos importantes en los incendios de Los Ángeles, como un certificado de nacimiento o matrimonio, el CDPH puede reemplazarlos de forma gratuita.

Solicita nuevas copias de tus registros: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CHSI/Pages/Vital-Records.aspx