How to keep safe with your lung condition around wildfires

If you live in an area affected by wildfires, you’ll know how bad the smoke can get. And if you have a lung condition, you may have noticed your usual symptoms getting worse.

We know from callers to our helpline that people with lung conditions want to know how to stay safe when wildfires affect their area.

What are wildfires?

Wildfires are uncontrolled fires that start in areas of dry grassland, woodland, or moorland. They can spread quickly and sometimes cover large areas.

Extreme heat and low rainfall increase the risk of wildfires, with dry vegetation acting like fuel for the fire.

Luckily, most of the UK’s wildfires are small and last a short time. But if you live near one, you’ll know that even smaller fires can affect your lung condition symptoms. Some wildfire smoke can travel long distances too.

How does smoke from wildfires affect my lungs?

Breathing in any kind of smoke can be harmful. The smoke from wildfires contains a mix of pollutants, including fine particulate matter (PM) which can get deep into your lungs. 

Smoke affects everyone. It can irritate your eyes, nose and throat, and make you cough, wheeze or feel breathless. If you have a lung condition, these symptoms may be worse and breathing in smoke could cause an asthma attack or flare up. 

How can I look after my lung condition if I live near a wildfire area? 

• Stay indoors and keep windows and doors closed until the air quality improves. 
• If you must go out, try not to be outdoors for long, and avoid strenuous activities like running which can make you breathe in more smoke.
• Turn off air conditioning units that use air from outside, or switch to recirculation mode where it uses air from inside rather than outside, if possible. 
• If you’re driving through a smoky area, keep car windows closed and close any air vents. If you have air conditioning in your car switch it to recirculation mode.
• Wearing a face mask is not usually recommended, according to the UK Health Security Agency, because it’s unlikely to protect you from all the pollutants in the smoke.
• Check the pollution forecast to help plan outdoor activities.

What do I do if my symptoms get worse?

If you have a reliever inhaler, keep it with you so it’s ready to use if you notice symptoms getting worse.

Follow the advice in your action plan or self-management plan if you have one, but if your symptoms are worse and your usual treatments are not helping, call your GP or NHS 111 for advice. 

You can read more about wildfires and our health on the UK Health Security Agency's blog.