Wildfires continue to affect communities across the United States. As of July 9, firefighters were working to suppress 38 large fires, with more than 3.4 million acres burned nationwide so far this year. Smoke from these fires can travel hundreds or even thousands of miles, affecting communities far beyond the immediate fire zone. (National Interagency Fire Center)

Wildfire smoke does not affect people alone. Pets, horses, livestock, wildlife, and the environments we share are also at risk. Smoke can irritate the eyes and respiratory systems of both people and animals, while the combination of smoke and extreme heat may increase health risks. Young, older, pregnant, and medically vulnerable people and animals may be especially susceptible. (airnow.gov)

During periods of poor air quality:

• Check local air-quality conditions before spending extended time outdoors.
• Limit strenuous outdoor activity for both people and animals.
• Keep pets indoors as much as possible and restrict outdoor trips to brief bathroom breaks.
• Watch animals for coughing, difficulty breathing, fatigue, eye irritation, or other changes in behavior or health.
• Include pets and other animals in evacuation and emergency-preparedness plans.

The AirNow Fire and Smoke Map provides current information about wildfire smoke and air quality. The EPA and American Veterinary Medical Association also offer resources for protecting people, pets, and other animals during wildfire events. (airnow.gov)

Wildfire smoke is a powerful reminder that the health of people, animals, and the environment cannot be separated.

How is your community incorporating pets and other animals into emergency planning, public-health messaging, and clean-air resources?

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T' Fisher, Director of Operations
Center for Pet Family Well-Being
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Wildfire smoke, heat pose growing risks for pets, Montana veterinarians warn

As wildfire season intensifies across Montana and other parts of the country, veterinarians are reminding pet owners to pay close attention to how smoke and extreme heat can affect their animals.

https://www.ktvh.com/news/wildfire-smoke-heat-pose-growing-risks-for-pets-montana-veterinarians-warn

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T' Fisher, Director of Operations
Center for Pet Family Well-Being
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Original Message:
Sent: 07-10-2026 05:33 AM
From: T' Fisher
Subject: Wildfire Smoke Is a One Health Issue

Wildfires continue to affect communities across the United States. As of July 9, firefighters were working to suppress 38 large fires, with more than 3.4 million acres burned nationwide so far this year. Smoke from these fires can travel hundreds or even thousands of miles, affecting communities far beyond the immediate fire zone. (National Interagency Fire Center)

Wildfire smoke does not affect people alone. Pets, horses, livestock, wildlife, and the environments we share are also at risk. Smoke can irritate the eyes and respiratory systems of both people and animals, while the combination of smoke and extreme heat may increase health risks. Young, older, pregnant, and medically vulnerable people and animals may be especially susceptible. (airnow.gov)

During periods of poor air quality:

• Check local air-quality conditions before spending extended time outdoors.
• Limit strenuous outdoor activity for both people and animals.
• Keep pets indoors as much as possible and restrict outdoor trips to brief bathroom breaks.
• Watch animals for coughing, difficulty breathing, fatigue, eye irritation, or other changes in behavior or health.
• Include pets and other animals in evacuation and emergency-preparedness plans.

The AirNow Fire and Smoke Map provides current information about wildfire smoke and air quality. The EPA and American Veterinary Medical Association also offer resources for protecting people, pets, and other animals during wildfire events. (airnow.gov)

Wildfire smoke is a powerful reminder that the health of people, animals, and the environment cannot be separated.

How is your community incorporating pets and other animals into emergency planning, public-health messaging, and clean-air resources?

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T' Fisher, Director of Operations
Center for Pet Family Well-Being
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Oregon ranchers race to protect cattle from Grasshopper Fire
Oregon is in the middle of an extremely active wildfire season. By the end of July, around 1.8 million acres had burned, nearing the state's record of 1.9 million acres in 2024. While most of the fires are burning in remote forests and grasslands that are naturally accustomed to fire, some of these areas are critical to ranchers whose livelihoods depend on their cattle.

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T' Fisher, Director of Operations
Center for Pet Family Well-Being
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This is an important reminder that emergency plans need to account for pets and livestock too, not just people. Smoke can travel surprisingly far, so keeping up with local alerts and air-quality information is essential even when a fire isn't nearby. I also appreciate publications like the Arizona Daily Star for helping keep communities informed about wildfire risks and preparedness.

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Tyrone Pierce
Veterinarian
Maryland Hospital
MD
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