ITS Professor Jun Wu Addressing Wildfire Impacts

Wildfires remain a devastating reality for many Californians, bringing widespread destruction, displacement, and heartbreak to countless communities. The ongoing Palisades wildfire in Los Angeles has already claimed lives, reduced thousands of homes and businesses to ash, and forced families into temporary shelters. Nearby in Altadena, another large fire threatens neighborhoods, while several smaller blazes rage across the region. Even for those outside the direct path of the flames, the pervasive smoke continues to pose significant health risks.

In these challenging times, ITS-Irvine faculty member Jun Wu recently shared practical advice in TIME on how to minimize indoor air pollution and protect health during wildfire crises. Key tips include:

• Wearing tight-fitting N95 or KN95 masks outdoors to filter harmful PM2.5 particles.
• Sealing windows, using air conditioners in recirculation mode, and operating HEPA filters indoors to reduce smoke exposure.
• Avoiding fireplaces, candles, and frying foods, which can add pollutants to already compromised air quality.
• Cleaning ash indoors with damp cloths or mops to prevent stirring up harmful particles.

Our thoughts are with everyone impacted by these fires. Stay safe and continue to support one another during this difficult time.

For more insights from Dr. Wu and other experts, read the full article: How to Protect Yourself From Wildfire Smoke and Ash.
For wildfire updates and resources, visit UCI’s Disaster Relief & Recovery page.