Shop by
Sign up for air quality alerts sent straight to your email.
Wildfires are no longer just a local problem. Their smoke can travel hundreds—even thousands—of miles, affecting the air you breathe long after the flames are out.
Use Filterbuy’s Live Wildfire Smoke Map to:
Even if there’s no fire near you, wildfire smoke may already be in your air. Scientific research confirms that PM2.5 fine particles from wildfire smoke can travel across state lines and penetrate deep into your lungs.
Health risks from wildfire smoke include:
Use the wildfire map and our AQI map for your area daily to check for events near you that may be affecting your air quality.
The EPA recommends using air filters rated MERV 13 or higher during wildfire smoke events.
Note: Standard filters (MERV 8 and below) will NOT protect against wildfire smoke.
Once outdoor air quality improves, you can switch back to your regular filter to maximize airflow and cost-efficiency. Buy in bulk and keep on hand for wildfire and smoke events in your area.
Wildfires are becoming more frequent and more intense—and even
if you’re far from the flames, the smoke can still affect your
health. Use Filterbuy’s Live Wildfire Smoke Map to track active
wildfires, view smoke plumes in real time, and see how your
local air quality is being impacted.
Whether you’re checking for wildfires near you or trying to
understand if wildfire smoke is in your air, this map gives you
the most up-to-date data in one place.
Breathe better, stay safe, and prepare your home with
real-time wildfire smoke tracking.
Use the live wildfire smoke tracker and upgrade your air filters today to protect your lungs and your home.
Shop Filters for Smoke Protection
Wildfire smoke can move across state lines within hours. In this blog, you will learn how to read the national live map, what AQI means for daily decisions, and how to set up simple, effective indoor protection for homes, schools, and workplaces.
Use the AirNow Fire and Smoke Map for live AQI and plume movement, then recheck after wind or frontal shifts.
Keep windows closed, set HVAC to recirculate, and use the highest MERV your system can handle while maintaining normal airflow.
Create one clean air room with a right sized HEPA purifier. Inspect filters more often during smoke events.
One-inch filters load fast. If the cabinet allows two-inch or four-inch pleated filters last longer.
Open the AirNow Fire and Smoke Map.
Enter your city or ZIP code.
Tap a monitor for AQI and health guidance.
Slide the time bar to see expected changes and plan errands for the clearest window.
AQI quick guide: 0–50 Good, 51–100 Moderate, 101–150 Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups, 151+ Unhealthy or worse. Use 101+ as your cue to limit outdoor exertion and increase indoor filtration.
Filtration cleans recirculated indoor air. Use a pleated MERV filter at the HVAC return and a HEPA purifier in the main room.
Ventilation brings in outdoor air. During smoke, reduce outside air and switch to recirculate. Ventilate only after the map shows sustained improvement.
Hot-humid and hot-dry regions: Run cooling on recirculate. Seal gaps around window or portable AC units.
Marine and mixed climates: Afternoon wind shifts are common. Recheck AQI before opening windows.
Cold seasons: Short “airing out” is fine only when AQI improves for several hours. Return to recirculate if levels rise.
Pick one bedroom or living area, close doors and windows, and run a HEPA purifier sized for the space. Keep activities light when AQI is high. If heat and smoke overlap, prioritize a clean and cool room with safe cooling.
Offices and classrooms: Post the day’s AQI. At 101+, keep doors closed, run HVAC continuously on recirculate, and use the highest MERV the system supports. Add HEPA units in meeting rooms and gyms.
Outdoor work crews: Stagger heavy tasks to the clearest hours, schedule extra breaks indoors, and provide NIOSH-approved N95 or P100 respirators when AQI is high.
A box fan with a MERV 13 filter can help short term. Use a newer certified fan, cover the full intake, point the airflow away from people, and do not leave it unattended. Replace the filter early if it looks gray or matted.
Replace smoke-loaded filters, vacuum with a HEPA vacuum, wipe hard surfaces with a damp cloth, and clean supply and return grilles. If ash entered from an open window, wear gloves and a tight-fitting mask while cleaning.
Check monthly by default. During prolonged smoke, inspect every one to two weeks and replace early if airflow drops or the media looks matted. If your cabinet allows a two-inch or four-inch pleated filter provides more media and longer life than a one-inch filter.
Stock the filters you need before smoke arrives. Order exact-fit MERV 13 pleated filters from Filterbuy in standard or custom sizes. Filters are made in the USA and ship fast with free delivery. Turn on Auto Delivery so replacements arrive on schedule through smoke season.
Open the AirNow Fire and Smoke Map and search your city or ZIP code. Tap a monitor for AQI, PM2.5, and health guidance.
Use AQI 101 and higher as your cue to limit outdoor activity and increase indoor filtration. Sensitive groups should be cautious even at Moderate.
Yes. Use the highest MERV your system can handle while keeping normal airflow. Many homes use MERV 11 most days and move to MERV 13 during smoke if the system supports it.
Often yes. If your cabinet allows it, a two inch or four inch pleated filter has more media and usually lasts longer than a one inch filter.
Yes. Set HVAC to recirculate and run the fan so indoor air passes through the filter more often.
Use a HEPA room purifier sized for the main bedroom or living area. Keep doors and windows closed during smoky hours and ventilate briefly only when the map shows cleaner air.
They can help short term if built safely with a newer certified box fan and a MERV 13 filter. Do not leave them unattended.
A well fitting N95 or P100 respirator can reduce particle exposure. Cloth and surgical masks are not designed for fine smoke.
Check monthly by default. During prolonged smoke, inspect every one to two weeks and replace early if the media looks gray or matted or if airflow drops.
Wait until the AirNow map shows cleaner air for your location for several hours. Ventilate briefly, then return to recirculate if levels rise.
Keep doors closed, run HVAC continuously on recirculate with the highest MERV the system can carry, reduce strenuous activities, and add HEPA units in classrooms, gyms, and meeting rooms.
Keep common area windows closed, run central fans on recirculate, and place HEPA purifiers in gyms and lounges. Post the day’s AQI where residents can see it.
Yes. Keep windows closed, set the vehicle to recirculate, and make sure a cabin air filter is installed and in good condition. Keep trips short when AQI is very high.
Choose one bedroom or living area, keep the door closed, run a HEPA purifier sized for the room, and keep indoor activity light when AQI is high.
Order MERV 11 or MERV 13 pleated filters from Filterbuy in standard or custom sizes. Filters are made in the USA and ship fast with free delivery. Auto Delivery helps you change on schedule through smoke season.
