TODAY'S AIR
Today's Air is a Montana specific site that provides information on hourly levels of fine particulate matter (also known as PM2.5, the main pollutant of concern in wildfire smoke) across the state. This is your best site for finding accurate updates on PM2.5 and smoke exposure for Montana communities.
Tomorrow's Air?
For the extended seasonal forecast, click here. Scroll down for nifty maps that project where the fires and smoke are headed. 
Visibility Guidelines
Cannot see 5 miles? Unhealthy Air
Cannot see 2 miles? Very Unhealthy Air
Cannot see 1 mile? Hazardous Air

How to estimate air quality based on visibility:
  • Use pre-determined landmarks that were established on a clear day for distances.
  • Face away from the sun.
  • Determine the limit of your visible range by looking for targets at known distances (miles).

If don't live close to air quality monitors (see the Today's Air map), these visibility guidelines may help you gauge local smoke levels. Click here to see what the different categories (unhealthy, very unhealthy, hazardous, etc.) mean and how they affect us.
Where are the fires?
Click on the image below to use the MT DNRC Interactive Wildland Fire Map. This map shows the size and locations of wildfires in Montana, but does not display smoke plumes. Scroll down to view other maps that include wildfire smoke.
More super helpful and cool maps and resources...
Fire & Smoke MAP - USFS
This map shows fire locations and smoke plumes across the US. Zoom in or out and you can easily turn on our off  layers (like the green dots!) 
AIRPACT MAP
This map shows fine particulate matter patterns through western Montana and provides a great visual forecast of where the smoke is headed (up to 48 hours). Thanks Washington State University!
AIR NOW - Air Quality and Forecasts
Air Now provides current and forecasted air quality information for Montana and other states across the U.S. Click on the link and bookmark the nearest town to you. Data is collected by the U.S Environmental Protection Agency. Hourly data on this site differs somewhat from Today's Air site because of data averaging.
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Smoke Sense App
Download the free Smoke Sense App for Android and iPhones

You can use the smoke sense app to learn about wildland fires and smoke health risks in their area, as well as report health symptoms and earn weekly badges.

​This app uses the same system as Air Now (it calculates AQI, not particulates specifically, and is based on 24 hour averages).
Visit the EPA's Smoke Ready Toolbox site for additional resources.

What to do now?

Once you know what the air quality is like in your area, it's important to make decisions that will keep you healthy. Read about the health impacts of wildfire smoke here. Understanding the air outside and your potential health risks is only the first step. You have control over your health impacts. Learn when to exercise and how much, what air purifier to buy, how to ensure you have cleaner air in your home, and what to do if you have to stay outside by clicking through the other pages of this site.