Missoula proclaims July 19, 2025, Wildfire Smoke Ready Week; councilor urges exercise caution during smoke events

The City of Missoula, in collaboration with Missoula County, proclaimed July 19, 2025, as Wildfire Smoke Ready Week to inform residents about the health hazards of wildfire smoke and steps to reduce exposure. Mayor Davis read a proclamation noting that research links wildfire smoke exposure to worsened asthma attacks, decreased lung function, aggravated COPD, higher rates of hospitalization and death, and increased cardiovascular risks. The proclamation references the National Interagency Fire Center outlook for 2025 and the Climate Ready Missoula plan and urges public education and outreach. Councilor Jordan cited a recently published article by University of Montana professor John Quindrey and summarized research on the intersection of outdoor exercise and smoke exposure. "The smoke contains fine particulate matter, which is small enough to enter the lungs and bloodstream triggering inflammation and increasing the risk of chronic diseases like heart and lung conditions," Jordan said, and urged people to "monitor air quality through tools like AirNow, limit exercise intensity and duration when smoke levels are elevated, and consider factors like time of day and preexisting conditions when deciding to exercise outdoors." Jordan credited Quindrey for contemporary local research on the issue. City staff mentioned that Missoula Public Health and Climate Smart Missoula offer resources on creating indoor air filters and identifying places with clean air, and the proclamation encourages residents to use those resources during wildfire season. The mayor also reminded residents that current weather — hot and windy — increases wildfire danger and advised caution.