If you’ve stepped outside lately and wondered whether we’re living inside a sepia-toned Instagram filter, you’re not wrong. Wildfire smoke is back, and it’s turning our normally crisp mountain air into a hazy mess that smells like a campfire gone rogue. For those of us who love our outdoor adventures, this is a big bummer—but it’s also a health risk we can’t ignore.

The smoke from wildfires isn’t just a pretty sunset filter. It’s filled with PM2.5 particles—tiny, lung-invading bits of debris that can irritate your airways, make you cough like you’ve swallowed a cactus, and, over time, cause bigger health issues. Kids, seniors, pregnant women, and anyone with breathing or heart issues are especially at risk.

Where to Check Air Quality in Real Time

When visibility drops, that’s not the time to guess if it’s safe to go for a jog. Instead, check reliable air quality indexes (AQI) before you step out:

IQAir – Nevada County
Real-time PM2.5 readings and 7-day forecasts.

AirNow.gov
The EPA’s official resource with easy-to-read smoke maps.

AQICN – Nevada City Station
Hyper-local station data, updated hourly.

AccuWeather Air Quality
Hourly updates for planning your day.

Tips for Protecting Yourself and Your Family

Create a clean-air room
A room with a HEPA or CARB-certified air purifier can be your sanctuary on bad air days.

Seal your home
Close windows and doors, run the AC on “recirculate,” and upgrade to MERV-13 filters if possible.

Mask up (the right way)
N95 or KN95 masks are the only ones that really block smoke particles. Save the cloth masks for dusting.

Limit outdoor time
If you must go out, keep it short and sweet, and skip strenuous activities.

Watch for symptoms
Difficulty breathing, headaches, or fatigue could be smoke-related. Don’t hesitate to check in with a healthcare provider if needed.

While wildfires are, unfortunately, part of California life, staying informed and taking small steps can make all the difference. Think of it as “fire season survival mode.” Checking AQI, investing in a good air purifier, and having a plan are all just part of living in the foothills.