OZ FIELD GUIDE / 03 / FIRE / AIR
Wildfire & smoke
Separate an approaching fire from a smoke exposure problem.
THE QUICK ANSWER
If your area is ordered to evacuate, leave by the official route as soon as it is safe. If the concern is smoke without a fire threat, stay indoors, close outside-air openings, run filtered recirculated air if available, and watch local air-quality and fire updates. Do not wait for smoke to become visible before checking alerts.
In immediate danger, contact local emergency services. Current instructions for your location take priority.
01 / DO NOW
First moves.
- 01
Know which problem you face
Check official fire, evacuation, and air-quality notices for your address. An evacuation order changes the decision immediately.
- 02
If leaving, leave early
Take people, pets, medication, keys, and essentials; tell a contact where you are going. Use the evacuation guide and current route instructions.
- 03
If sheltering from smoke
Close windows and doors. Set HVAC to recirculate where possible, use a portable air cleaner or a cleaner indoor room, and avoid adding indoor smoke from candles, frying, or smoking.
- 04
Limit outside exposure
If you must go outside in smoke, a well-fitting N95 or P100 respirator can reduce particle exposure; ordinary cloth masks do not provide the same protection.
02 / NEXT
When the first minute is over.
Keep checking changing wind, fire perimeter, and air-quality conditions. People with heart or lung disease, children, older adults, and pregnant people may need added precautions or clinical advice.
03 / WATCH FOR
The exception that matters.
If fire threatens the building or officials order departure, indoor smoke control is no substitute for evacuation. If breathing becomes difficult or symptoms are severe, seek urgent medical help.
04 / VERIFY
Sources & context.
Osprey Zero wrote this guide from the references below. It is a general starting point, not a live alert. Check the issuing authority for your area; guidance and conditions can change.
Guide updated 02 October 2026. U.S.-based references unless noted; follow authorities where you are.