How clean air clubs are protecting Americans from wildfire smoke
Mutual aid groups known as 'clean air clubs' are helping vulnerable Americans protect themselves from wildfire smoke by distributing N95 masks and loaning air purifiers. These grassroots organizations have emerged as a response to increasingly frequent wildfire seasons and inadequate public health infrastructure.
Why it matters
As climate change increases the frequency of wildfires, community-led health initiatives are becoming essential for protecting public health in under-resourced areas.
Mask Bloc LA volunteers distribute and deliver masks during the Los Angeles wildfires on 15 January 2025. Photograph: Abby Mahler Mask Bloc LA volunteers distribute and deliver masks during the Los Angeles wildfires on 15 January 2025. Photograph: Abby Mahler Building power Air pollution How clean air clubs are protecting Americans from wildfire smoke Mutual aid groups that gave out PPEs in Covid are now loaning air purifiers and distributing masks to fume-addled communities
About this content Lex McMenamin Sun 9 Aug 2026 11.00 EDT Last modified on Sun 9 Aug 2026 11.01 EDT Share Prefer the Guardian on Google M iquette Thompson’s home in rural Mendocino county has been covered in smoke all week. There are the nearby Feliz and Woodside fires in northern California, which have burned more than 1,000 acres, as well as the wildfires devastating Oregon and Washington that are sending smoke their way, too.
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