Driver FixRecommendedSound, Wi-Fi or graphics acting up? Check drivers firstFind missing or outdated drivers fast.Check DriversHalloween DealsAmazon USHalloween week deals: useful picks before month-endAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.Check DealsClean PCRecommendedOne scan can reveal what keeps slowing WindowsLook for cleanup and repair opportunities.Run Scan×
FREEDOM251

Freedom251 › Blog › air quality

How to Check Local Air Quality During a Nearby Fire

By Freedom251 Team · · 3 min read

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Use the AirNow Fire and Smoke Map to check wildfire smoke near you. Find your location, select a nearby air-quality reading, and review its PM2.5 AQI category, recent trend, and recommended actions. The map is produced by the EPA in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service.

How to check air quality near you

  1. Open the AirNow Fire and Smoke Map in a browser. You can also open the AirNow app and tap its smoke-map icon.

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

  2. Let the map use your device location, search for a city or other place, or pan and zoom to the area you want to check. On a phone, you can enter a city, town, or ZIP code.

    Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
  3. Select a nearby air-quality circle. Check the location attached to the reading and its PM2.5 AQI category. The map uses icon size and markings to distinguish permanent monitors, temporary monitors, and sensors.

    #1 Best Overall
    Amazon Smart Air Quality Monitor, Detects temperature, humidity, carbon monoxide, PM2.5 and VOCs, Get notifications when air quality drops, Works with Alexa
    • Know your air – An Alexa air quality monitor that makes it easy to understand what’s in your indoor air.
    • Track and measure – Our indoor air quality monitor keeps tabs on 5 key factors: particulate matter (PM 2.5), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), carbon monoxide (CO), humidity, and temperature.
    • Stay informed – Get an indication of current indoor air quality from the color-coded LED, and detailed information and an easy-to-understand air quality score in the Alexa app.
    • Real-time alerts - Get notifications on your phone or announcements on Echo devices when Alexa detects poor indoor air quality.
    • Automate climate control - Enable Routines to turn on or off your compatible Alexa devices, such as air purifiers, dehumidifiers, and fans, when the indoor air quality sensors detect changes.
  4. Review the reading’s history and whether conditions are stable, improving, or worsening. Read the map’s activity recommendations for the current category. Some fires also have a Smoke Outlook link describing possible impacts over the next several days.

How to read the AQI category

The map’s current instructions use these AQI ranges. The number and color indicate the reported air-quality category; use the linked guidance for what activities are recommended at that level.

Rank #2
16 in 1 Air Quality Monitor Indoor 7" High-Precision Real-Time CO2 Monitor | 7" HD Large Air Quality Tester with Alerts for CO2, TVOC, PM2.5 PM1.0 PM10, HCHO Temp & Humidity AQI &Time Air Meter for Home
  • 【16-in-1 Air Quality Monitor Indoor】Experience the ultimate indoor air quality monitoring with our 16-in-1 Air Quality Monitor, offering real-time detection of 9 key parameters including CO2, PM2.5, PM1.0, PM10, HCHO, TVOC, Temperature, Humidity, AQI, and Time. With 7 distinct AQI alert buzzers, this air quality tester ensures your family breathes with ease.(*Note: "16-in-1" refers to the combination of 9 key detectable parameters and 7 types of AQI alert buzzers.)
  • 【Crystal Clear 7-inch Large Display】Enjoy a 7-inch LED display for sharp, clear air quality readings. Provides an instant, comprehensive view of your indoor air without navigating through menus, with three brightness settings for any lighting condition
  • 【External High-Precision Sensors with 0.001 Accuracy】Equipped with advanced external high-precision sensors, this device delivers unmatched accuracy (0.001 units) by directly sampling the air. Its innovative multi-sensor array and enhanced airflow design detect even the slightest environmental changes, allowing for instant response and optimal safety. (*Note: Avoid touching the sensors or exposing them to perfumes/strong odors to maintain accuracy.)
  • 【Real-Time AQI Alert Buzzers】Our air quality monitor provides real-time monitoring and alerts for pollutants like CO2, PM2.5, PM1.0, PM10, HCHO, TVOC, Temperature, Humidity, and AQI, with 7 distinct alert functions. Stay informed with clear alerts and rest easy with a mute button to silence alarms. Your health and comfort are our priority. Toggle between Fahrenheit and Celsius instantly with a double-press of the "Power" button on this air quality detector.
  • 【Up to 8 Hours of Runtime & Flexible USB-C Charging】 Enjoy up to 8 hours of continuous air quality monitoring on a full charge. The USB-C charging interface offers flexible power options and is compatible with widely available USB-C cables, while the included AC adapter provides convenient charging at home. Designed for effortless monitoring wherever you need it—from bedrooms and living spaces to your car and beyond.
AQI category AQI range
Good 0–50
Moderate 51–100
Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups 101–150
Unhealthy 151–200
Very Unhealthy 201–300
Hazardous 301+

These are the cutoffs in AirNow’s map instructions, accessed October 4, 2026. AirNow identifies fine particle pollution (PM2.5) as the key pollutant in wildfire smoke. The map may also alert you when ozone or PM10 reaches a higher AQI category than PM2.5.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

What readings, plumes, and fire markers mean

PM2.5 readings

A selected monitor or sensor gives a location-specific indication of air quality. The detail view includes current conditions, the day’s history, a trend indicator, and recommended actions. A nearby reading is useful for understanding conditions in that area, but the displayed history does not guarantee what air will be like next.

Rank #3
Sale
GoveeLife Smart Air Quality Monitor with PM2.5 H5106, LED Display Wired | Indoor temperature humidity sensors, 2s refresh, 2-year data storage, for home & office, 2.4G Wi-Fi only
  • High Accuracy & Fast Refresh Data: With this smart sensor, the PM2.5 accuracy is ±15 µg/m³ while temperature and humidity accuracies are ±0.54°F and ±3%RH.The two-second correction data feature shows the latest changes in PM2.5, temperature, and humidity.Keep sensor clear for accurate detection.
  • Multifunctional Air Quality Detector: The GoveeLife Air Quality Monitor conveniently measures 3 important indexes for indoor air quality, including PM2.5, temperature, and humidity.
  • Switchable Display: Press the top button for the clock & PM2.5 display. Long press for 2 seconds to switch to bright screen mode & night mode. The LED indicator displays 4 levels of ambient air quality. 2.4G Wi-Fi is required to display the time.
  • Connect with GoveeHome Appliances: Set your target air quality and link with your other GoveeHome smart appliances. GoveeLife air purifiers, humidifiers, and space heaters will turn on and off automatically when the indoor air quality changes.
  • H5106 needs to be connected to a power source and supports GoveeLife devices: Smart Air Purifiers - H7126, H7120, H7124, H712C, H7122, H7123; Humidifiers - H7140; Fans - H7100, H7102

Smoke plume layer

If enabled, the smoke-plume layer shows NOAA satellite smoke information. A plume outline is not itself a ground-level AQI measurement, so check a nearby reading as well.

Fire icons

Fire markers may represent incidents reported to the National Interagency Fire Center or fires detected by satellite. A fire’s proximity alone does not tell you how polluted the air is where you are.

Rank #4
LifeBasis Air Quality Monitor Indoor, 11-in-1 Air Quality Detector
  • MULTIFUNCTION MONITORING: This indoor air quality monitor provides real-time monitoring of 11 crucial indexes including AQI, CO2, PM1.0, PM2.5, PM10, Particles, HCHO, TVOC, temperature and humidity, dual alert system-visual and audible. Life Basis air quality monitor keeps you informed of current air quality levels at all times to guarantee the breath quality of your family
  • HIGH-PRECISOIN SMART SENSOR: The air quality meter is equipped with NDIR infrared carbon dioxide sensor, laser particle sensor, semiconductor sensor, photoelectric sensor, temperature and humidity sensor, which responds quickly and sensitively, and provide accurate indoor air concentration
  • COLOR AND SOUND ALERT: The color of the icon corresponding to a single gas changes according to the gas concentration, which are Good(Green), Moderate Pollution(Yellow), Poor (Orange), Abnormal(Red) four grades. When the Normal is exceeded, the device will emit a ticking alert sound, the indicator light will flash continuously and the interface color will change.
  • CLEAR DISPLAY SETTINGS: Life Basis Air Quality Monitor has a LCD screen display, each data is clear with color reminder , easy to understand. The screen brightness can be adjusted according to your needs, allowing you to understand the indoor air quality at a glance
  • LONG BATTERY LIFE: Equipped with a 2500mAh battery and Type-C Charging Port, easy to use and portable. Our air quality monitor provides up to 11-12 hours of continuous use on a full charge.

Smoke Outlooks

Some larger U.S. wildfires have a Smoke Outlook when air resource advisors are assigned. It describes possible smoke impacts over the next several days, but is not available for every fire.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Why another AirNow display may show a different result

The general AirNow AQI dial uses monitors selected by state, local, and tribal air agencies. It may display ozone or another pollutant instead of PM2.5, or have no nearby PM2.5 monitor to report. The ordinary interactive map emphasizes permanent monitors reporting to AirNow; the Fire and Smoke Map supplements permanent monitors with temporary monitors and air-sensor information, alongside smoke and fire data. For wildfire smoke, AirNow recommends using the Fire and Smoke Map.

Best Value
Airthings 2960 View Plus - Battery Powered Radon & Air Quality Monitor (PM, CO2, VOC, Humidity, Temp, Pressure)
  • ALWAYS-ON AIR QUALITY SENSORS: WiFi connected indoor air quality monitor measuring radon gas, PM2.5 (air pollution detector), carbon dioxide (CO2), VOCs (airborne such as kitchen gases, fumes and cleaning products), humidity, temperature, and air pressure. The monitor requires the Airthings app to function. Operating Temperature 4 to 40°C / 39 to 104°F.Sensor type: Electrochemical
  • ACCURATE DIGITAL RADON DETECTOR: Radon is the number one cause of lung cancer among non-smokers and kills more than 6x the number of people than home fires and carbon monoxide poisoning combined.
  • SMART AIR QUALITY MONITORS YOU CAN TRUST: With 15 years of experience in indoor radon and air quality monitoring, Airthings has established trust among over 1,000,000 users who rely on its smart monitors for understanding and controlling their air health. An account is required to use the device, which only requires providing your email and name.
  • CONTINOUS MONITORING: Check your live data anytime and receive timely air quality notifications wherever you are. Track pollutants and contaminants before they become a problem with this always-on indoor radon gas, VOC, CO2, PM2.5 air quality monitor. The monitor and app both require internet access, with data saved securely in the cloud for seamless tracking and analysis.
  • FREE & FRIENDLY APP: Use the Airthings app to check current air quality readings and analyze trends over time. Get timely notifications and tips to improve your air. Check your local pollen forecast with data from Breezometer.

If a result seems inconsistent, check which pollutant the other display reports, compare nearby map readings, and review local air-agency advisories. AirNow’s guidance is: “Use the AirNow Fire and Smoke Map when wildfire smoke is affecting your air quality.”

Use air-quality information alongside local alerts

Follow the activity recommendations shown with the reading and check local air-agency or emergency-management advisories for updates. The map is an air-quality tool, not an evacuation alert system: follow local authorities for evacuation orders and fire-safety directions.

AirNow app option

The AirNow app is described as free and provides current and forecast AQI for a selected area, as well as access to the Fire and Smoke Map. Its availability and download links are listed on the AirNow mobile app page.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

air qualityAirNowAQImobile appswildfire smoke

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

What’s actually slowing this PC down?

Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Recommended PC Tool
Recommended PC Tool
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You DownFree scan - exact matches
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They SpreadFree repair scan

Two free Windows tools

One Free Minute Could Fix That PC

Before you go - each of these free tools takes about a minute and tackles what quietly slows a Windows PC down.

Special offer. View Outbyte info, uninstall instructions, EULA, and Privacy Policy.