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During an active wildfire smoke event, start with the AirNow Fire and Smoke Map for nearby particle readings and smoke context. Then use the Air Quality Index (AQI) categories and available forecasts to decide what activity is reasonable and when. They are complementary: the map displays readings using AQI colors, while adding smoke- and fire-specific information.
What is the difference between the Fire and Smoke Map and the AQI?
The AQI is a color-coded system for reporting how clean or polluted outdoor air is and what health effects may be a concern. It covers common outdoor-air pollutants. The AirNow Fire and Smoke Map is a specialized view for wildfire smoke: it focuses on fine particle pollution (PM2.5) and adds geographic context that helps you investigate local smoke conditions.
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| Question | Fire and Smoke Map | AQI |
|---|---|---|
| What is it for? | Situational awareness during smoke events, with particle readings and smoke or fire context. | A general way to report outdoor air quality and associated health concern categories. |
| What does it show? | PM2.5 readings from monitoring devices and sensors, fire incidents, and optional satellite smoke-plume layers. | A category and value for the relevant pollutant; the AQI scale applies to more than wildfire smoke. |
| What time period does it represent? | Its NowCast estimates current conditions from multiple hours of past observations. | A daily PM2.5 forecast predicts a 24-hour average. A Smoke Outlook, when available, may provide forecasts in six-hour blocks. |
| How do you use it? | Check nearby readings, trends, and smoke context to understand what is happening locally. | Use the category’s health messaging to guide decisions about outdoor exposure. |
The map’s reading is not automatically a forecast. A current NowCast and a daily forecast answer different questions: what conditions are estimated to be like now, and what air quality is expected over a longer period.
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How to check air quality during a smoke event
- Open the AirNow Fire and Smoke Map and look at readings near your location. Select a reading to see available details, which may include current conditions, recent history, whether conditions are stable or changing, recommended actions, and nearby fire information.
- Check the reading’s location and device type. The map includes permanent monitors, temporary monitors, and sensors; AirNow says circle size indicates device type. A point reading describes conditions at that location, not necessarily across an entire community.
- If you want satellite smoke-plume context, turn on the plume layer in the map settings. A plume shows smoke aloft, not a ground-level measurement. Clouds or nighttime can obscure satellite plumes, and visible atmospheric smoke may not affect ground-level air quality.
- Use the AQI category for health guidance, and check the daily forecast or a local Smoke Outlook if you need to plan ahead. Smoke can change quickly, so revisit the map during an event.
AirNow describes the map as a place to use when wildfire smoke is affecting air quality. Its readings and layers are most useful when interpreted together: a nearby measurement provides ground-level information, while fire and plume layers help explain possible sources and movement.
#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.
What do the AQI colors and numbers mean?
AirNow lists these AQI bands for particle pollution:
| AQI | Category | General meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 0–50 | Good | Air quality is satisfactory. |
| 51–100 | Moderate | Air quality is generally acceptable, though some unusually sensitive people may be affected. |
| 101–150 | Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups | People in sensitive groups may experience health effects. |
| 151–200 | Unhealthy | Health effects become a concern for more people, not only sensitive groups. |
| 201–300 | Very Unhealthy | The risk of health effects is greater. |
| 301+ | Hazardous | Health warning conditions apply. |
These are the AirNow particle-pollution AQI thresholds. EPA explains that above 100, air quality is considered unhealthy first for sensitive groups, and then for everyone as the AQI rises. For the category-specific advice, use the current EPA guidance on wildfire smoke alongside local public-health guidance.
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16 in 1 Air Quality Monitor Indoor 7" High-Precision Real-Time CO2 Monitor
- 【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.
What should you do when smoke is affecting your air?
The AQI is meant to help you reduce the pollution you breathe. During smoke, that can mean changing how hard you exert yourself, how long you stay outside, or when you do an activity. If outdoor air is worse now but expected to improve, a forecast can help you choose a cleaner period for activity.
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- Move strenuous outdoor activity to a cleaner period, shorten time outside, or reduce exertion when smoke levels are concerning.
- If you develop coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath, reduce your exposure promptly. Smoke you can see or smell is also a reason to seek cleaner indoor air or a cleaner-air shelter.
- People with heart or lung disease, older adults, children and teenagers, and people more likely to be exposed are among groups EPA identifies as facing increased risk. Individual circumstances differ; ask a clinician about personal health concerns and follow current public-health advice.
- For preparation at home, EPA includes creating a clean room and using a portable air cleaner among its wildfire-smoke steps. Its general guidance does not establish a particular brand or model as the right choice.
Which one should you use?
Use the Fire and Smoke Map to understand wildfire smoke near you, including readings, recent changes, and available fire or plume context. Use AQI categories to interpret the health concern, and use forecasts or Smoke Outlooks to plan activities ahead. The most useful decision comes from combining local readings with category guidance—not treating a plume, a single sensor, or a current reading as the whole picture.
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Bestseller No. 4
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.
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.
Rank #3
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GoveeLife Smart Air Quality Monitor with PM2.5 H5106, LED Display Wired
- 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
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