Wildfire smoke and Valley air: five tips to help you breathe better
September 14, 2025
Air quality has a big impact on our overall health. On days when pollution levels climb, whether from dust or wildfire smoke, tiny particles can enter the lungs and make it more difficult to breathe. Over time, exposure to poor air can increase your risk of respiratory illness, heart problems and other chronic conditions.
In the Central Valley, where Fresno County recently ranked in the top three most polluted counties in the nation for year-round particle pollution, the arrival of wildfire smoke makes the problem even worse.
Who is at risk when air quality is poor
While everyone can feel the effects of poor air quality, some people are more sensitive than others, including:
- Children (whose lungs are still developing)
- Older adults
- People with asthma, COPD, or other lung or heart conditions
- Pregnant women (air pollution can affect both mom and baby)
Wildfire smoke in the Valley
At the end of August 2025, the Garnet Fire began in the Sierra National Forest, sending smoke drifting into the Central Valley and negatively impacting Fresno’s already challenging air quality. In a region already notorious for ozone and particulate pollution, the smoke from these fires can make breathing dangerously difficult, even for otherwise healthy individuals.
Five tips to help you breathe better in poor air quality
When the air quality suffers, it’s more important than ever to take proactive steps to keep your lungs as safe as possible. While you can’t control the smoke levels outside, you can make changes at home and in your daily routine that can reduce your exposure and ease the strain on your breathing.
Here are five simple ways to help you breathe better when the air quality is poor:
Check the air quality, daily.
Use reliable resources like the San Joaquin Valley Pollution Control District’s Daily Air Quality Forecast. You can also sign up to receive a daily forecast and other important information directly to your email.
Seal doors and windows.
Keep smoky air out of your home by closing windows and using weather-stripping or towels to block gaps around doors.
Change your air filter.
Replace your home’s HVAC filter regularly and choose one with a higher MERV rating to better capture small particles.
Use an air purifier.
A HEPA purifier in your main living or sleeping area can help reduce harmful smoke indoors.
Wear a mask oudoors.
If you must be outside when smoke is heavy, wear a properly fitted N95 or KN95 mask to protect yourself against bad air particles.
Small changes like these can help protect your lungs on smoky days. Ultimately, the key is to stay aware, limit your exposure when possible, and create a cleaner air space inside your home.
Saint Agnes is here to help you breathe easier
The Saint Agnes Pulmonary Clinic offers high-quality, personalized pulmonary care to patients living in the Central Valley and surrounding areas. Our outpatient clinic specializes in diagnosing and treating acute, chronic and recurring conditions of the respiratory system, helping you breathe easier and live better.
Our expert physicians provide compassionate care for those living with chronic lung conditions or just struggling through this season of poor air quality in the Valley.
If you or a loved one are experiencing ongoing symptoms, don’t wait. Reach out today and let us help you protect your lungs and your health.
Call for more information
Take control of your lung health. Call our care team for more information about scheduling an appointment with one of our pulmonary specialists.
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Saint Agnes Pulmonary Clinic
Located across the street from the Medical Center in our Saint Agnes Care Center, our pulmonary clinic is ready to help you breathe better.
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