The California Department of Public Health has created a resource for local health departments called, Wildfire Smoke: A Guide for Public Health Officials.  This version (updated July 08) includes information on smoke behavior, respiratory protection, use of air cleaners and air conditioning, and a thorough explanation of how to align public health interventions with estimated or measured levels of particles.

Air quality in many communities across California is poor due to the current wildfires. People with asthma and other lung diseases are especially sensitive to the wildfire smoke and should take precautions to limit their exposure to the smoky air.  The California Department of Public Health has created a factsheet, "Protect Your Lungs from Wildfire Smoke." This fact sheet was developed for the general public to give guidance on how to choose and correctly use N95 or P100 particulate respirators.  Click here to learn about air quality in your area and other ways you can protect yourself from the harmful effects of wildfire smoke.

These additional resources may also be helpful.

California Air Quality Management District directory
http://www.arb.ca.gov/capcoa/roster.htm

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Factsheet on Wildfire Health Effects
Emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/wildfires/facts.asp

Environmental Protection Agency
http://www.airnow.gov/index.cfm?action=topics.smoke_events

California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection
http://www.fire.ca.gov/index_incidents.php