During the summer months, forest fires may be seen throughout the Pacific Northwest . The smoke from these fires can affect individuals differently, based on the duration of smoke exposure, their age and health.

The following references on the health effects of smoke exposure due to forest fires are available on-line:

• Smoke from Fires, Washington State Department of Health

• Wildfires, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

• Wildfire Smoke: A Guide for Public Health Officials, Harriet Ammann, Washington Department of Health; Robert Blaisdell and Michael Lipsett, California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment, Susan Lyon Stone, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; and Shannon Therriault, Missoula County Health Department

• Health Threat from Wildfire Smoke, CDC Fact Sheet , US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

• Smoke Exposure from Wildland Fires: Interim Guidelines for Protecting Human Health and Wellbeing, Manitoba Health, 2012

• Frequently Asked Questions about the Effects of Forest Fire Smoke on Health, Yukon Health and Human Services, 2009

• Health Effects of Smoke Exposure due to Forest Fires, Northwest Territories Health and Human Services, 2011

• Guidelines for Health Staff in Northern Saskatchewan Communities Preparation for Forest Fires and the Assessment of Health Effects from Forest Fire Smoke, Saskatchewan Ministry of Health, 2012