Air pollution from wildfires
Wildfires: health advice for the public
Wildfires are uncontrolled fires that can happen in Ireland during periods of dry, hot weather, especially in bogs, gorse, and forest areas. Smoke from wildfires can travel long distances and effect air quality, even many kilometres from the fire itself. In Ireland, the main health risk for most people is usually exposure to smoke.
Smoke from wildfires can irritate the eyes, nose and throat. It may also cause coughing, wheezing, breathlessness and chest discomfort. For most healthy people, these symptoms usually improve quickly once they are away from the smoke. However, some people are more at risk of more serious effects.
If there is a wildfire in your area, follow advice from the Fire Service, local authorities and health services. If you are in immediate danger, move to a safe place and call 999 or 112.
Key health advice
If there is no direct danger from the fire itself, the main advice is to reduce your exposure to smoke.
- Stay indoors when smoke levels are high, if it is safe to do so. This is especially important for people more likely to be affected by smoke such as the older people, those with lung or heart conditions, young children and pregnant women.
- Keep windows and doors closed to reduce smoke coming indoors.
- Reduce other sources of indoor air pollution, such as smoking cigarettes, using propane gas or wood-burning stoves, spraying aerosol products, and frying or grilling food.
- Avoid outdoor activity and exercise when it is smoky outside. If you must be outside, avoid strenuous activity.
- Keep any medicines you use regularly with you, especially inhalers, and take them as prescribed.
- If people exposed to smoke from the fire experience any symptoms or have concerns, they should reduce their level of activity and seek prompt healthcare advice.
- Monitor official information and follow local advice throughout the incident.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is most at risk from wildfire smoke?
Some people are more likely to be affected by wildfire smoke than others. These include:
- Babies and children
- Adults aged 65 years or older
- pregnant people
- people with asthma, COPD, other lung disease, heart disease, or diabetes
- outdoor workers and others who cannot avoid being outside
If you are in one of these groups, try to avoid smoke exposure as much as possible and seek medical advice promptly if you develop symptoms or your usual symptoms worsen.
What are the health risks from wildfire smoke?
Wildfire smoke contains a mixture of very small particles and gases that can affect health. The main pollutant of concern is fine particulate matter (PM2.5), which can get deep into the lungs. Smoke may also contain gases such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides and other irritants.
Common short-term symptoms include:
- sore or itchy eyes
- sore throat
- coughing
- wheezing
- shortness of breath
- chest discomfort or chest pain
There is strong evidence linking wildfire smoke exposure with respiratory (lung) effects, including worsening asthma and increased use of medication and healthcare services. There is also concern about cardiovascular (heart) effects, especially in vulnerable people.
What should I do if there is smoke in my area?
If there is smoke in your area:
- stay indoors if it is safe to do so
- keep windows and doors closed
- close all vents and turn off air exchange heating systems
- avoid or reduce outdoor activity, especially strenuous exercise
- reduce indoor pollution from smoking, cooking fumes, aerosols and fuel-burning appliances
- if you need to travel, keep vehicle windows closed and follow local emergency advice
Where can I check air quality in my area?
You can use the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) Air Quality website to check local and regional air quality conditions.
The EPA’s Air Quality Index for Health page also provides health advice based on air quality in your area.
What should I do if I have asthma or another long-term condition?
If you have asthma, COPD, heart disease or another long-term condition, take extra care to avoid smoke exposure. Keep your medicines and inhalers with you and use them as prescribed.
If your symptoms get worse or you have any concerns, seek advice promptly from your GP or usual healthcare service. In an emergency, call 999 or 112.
When should I get medical help?
Seek urgent medical help if you:
- have difficulty breathing
- have chest pain
- have severe wheeze or worsening asthma symptoms
- have a burn or other injury related to the fire
- feel unwell and symptoms are not improving after getting away from smoke
If it is an emergency, call 999 or 112.
Should I wear a mask outside?
Reducing exposure to smoke by staying indoors remains the most important protective step. A well-fitted FFP2 or FFP3 mask can help reduce exposure to smoke particles if you need to go outside for a short time. The mask should fit closely over your nose and mouth. Cloth face coverings are not designed to protect against fine smoke particles and provide little protection from wildfire smoke.
How can I keep cool if I am advised to keep windows and doors closed because of wildfire smoke?
During periods of wildfire smoke, keeping windows and doors closed can help reduce the amount of smoke entering your home. However, this may be challenging during warm weather.
To help stay cool while reducing smoke exposure:
- Stay in the coolest room in your house, especially during the hottest part of the day
- Close curtains, blinds and shutters on sun-facing windows
- Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated
- Use cool damp cloths or towels on your neck, wrists or forehead
- Take cool showers or baths if needed
- Use electric fans to improve comfort
- Avoid activities that generate heat indoors, such as using ovens, tumble dryers or prolonged cooking
- When local air quality improves, open windows to ventilate your house
What should I do if I need to evacuate?
If emergency services or local authorities tell you to evacuate, leave promptly and safely. Follow official instructions about where to go.
If you can, take:
- essential medicines
- inhalers or other medical equipment
- important documents
- supplies needed for children, older people, pets or anyone who depends on you
Before leaving, check on neighbours or family members if it is safe to do so, particularly anyone who may need extra help.
How can I help prevent wildfires?
You can help reduce the risk of wildfires by:
- not lighting fires in dry conditions
- disposing of cigarettes and vapes safely
- avoiding barbecues in risky conditions
- clearing away rubbish, bottles and broken glass that could contribute to a fire starting
If you see a wildfire, move to a safe place and call 999 or 112.
How can I prepare for wildfires?
So far in Ireland, we have not had massive wildfires but if you are in an area that is affected by wildfires, it is best to prepare.
If you have underlying medical conditions, talk with a healthcare worker. Plan how you will protect yourself against wildfire smoke. You might need to consider home delivery of supplies. However, that may not be an option for everyone and, if so, think about how best to protect both your health and the health of others when running essential errands.
In other countries more affected by wildfires, people are recommended to:
- Stock up on medicine. Store a 7 to 10-day supply of prescription medicines in a waterproof, childproof container to take with you if you evacuate.
- Consider developing a family emergency plan in anticipation of a potential evacuation.
Last Updated: 16 June 2026