Wildland fire smoke is a global public health issue. Many communities may be exposed to smoke from wildland fires, including wildfires and controlled burns, for days, weeks, or even months each year. A common recommendation during smoke events is to reduce exposure by going indoors away from the smoke; however, wildland fire smoke can infiltrate indoors.
Environmental and public health officials can help their communities prepare for smoke events. This webinar highlights the ASHRAE Planning Framework for Protecting Commercial Building Occupants from Smoke During WildfiresEXITEXIT EPA WEBSITE. The Planning Framework is a publicly available resource developed by government and industry experts that provides building managers for public and commercial buildings, including schools, with advice on steps to reduce smoke exposures that can occur indoors during wildfires and prescribed burning. In addition, EPA researchers will share examples from field studies in Missoula, MT and the Hoopa Valley Tribe in Hoopa, CA to better understand indoor air quality in public and commercial buildings under typical ambient conditions and when smoke events occur. These examples include the impact of building characteristics and ventilation systems on indoor air quality during smoke episodes.