Interestingly enough, even in firefighters who have been fighting fires for 15 years, we've seen no long-term effects, because the lungs recover once they begin breathing healthy air. For the rest of us, it's very irritating. What To Do The best thing to do is stay inside, close all the windows and vents and, if you can, use an air filter, says Andy Weisser, communications director for the American Lung Association of California in Northridge. If you must go outside, and there's smoke, breathe through a damp cloth to filter out particulate matter. Don't think you'll feel the effects of smoke inhalation right away.
Smoke can remain in an area for many days.
For more on protecting yourself close to forest fires, visit the American Lung Association of California . And cross your fingers for rain.