Air & heat · September 13, 2026
Wildfire smoke: make one room work harder
When outdoor air is unhealthy, a smaller clean-air room is easier to manage than trying to purify the whole house.
Choose the room before the smoke arrives
Pick a room with few windows and doors, then close gaps and keep windows shut while air quality is poor. A portable air cleaner sized for the room can help; a box-fan filter setup should be used only according to current public-health guidance and safely away from children.
Reduce what you add
Skip candles, incense, frying, smoking, and anything else that adds particles indoors. Set heating and cooling systems to recirculate when the manufacturer and local guidance allow it.
Leave when needed: People with breathing or heart conditions, children, and older adults may be more affected. Follow local evacuation and health instructions rather than waiting for indoor air to feel uncomfortable.
Sources: American Red Cross seasonal preparedness guidance; Ready.gov; local air-quality and public-health advisories. Reviewed September 13, 2026.