HELENA, Mont. — Governor Greg Gianforte today proclaimed this week as Montana Wildfire Smoke Ready Week to encourage Montanans to take steps to proactively protect their health, improve indoor air quality, and prepare their homes before smoke arrives.
While wildfire smoke can affect anyone, children, older adults, pregnant women, outdoor workers, and individuals with respiratory conditions like asthma or COPD are especially vulnerable. Smoke Ready Week raises awareness on those Montanans especially impacted by wildfire smoke and urges public health agencies, community organizations, and emergency responders to work together to provide guidance, resources, and support to help individuals and families stay safe during wildfire smoke events.
To prepare for wildfire smoke, Montanans are encouraged to take the following steps: Monitor air quality forecasts and identify clean air resource centers in your region, replace home heating and cooling system filters with a MERV-13 or higher rating. use portable HEPA air cleaners to maintain a clean indoor air space.
