safety
Tips on how to stay safe from hazardous wildfire smoke
Summary by The Waco Editorial Desk · Based on reporting by Scripps News Group , KXXV (ABC 25) News
· July 21, 2026
· 1 min read
Wildfire smoke is making it difficult to breathe for millions of people across the country, and health experts say the best defense is straightforward: stay indoors when air quality is poor. The smoke is primarily coming from fires burning in Canada and northern Minnesota, with a lingering high p...
Story provenance No corrections
Summary created by The Waco Editorial Desk — automated, rule-governed Original reporting Scripps News Group, KXXV (ABC 25) News Original story Read at the source Source published Jul 21, 2026 Indexed here Jul 21, 2026 AI assistance Automated summary drawn from the source’s own published text Prepublication human review No — editorial rules, flagged-item review, and published samples
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Key takeaway Courtney Howard, an emergency room physician and chair of the Global Climate and Health Alliance, told the Associated Press that wildfire smoke is particularly dangerous because it's a toxic product of whatever burned.
Why this matters in The Waco
For Waco residents, the current wildfire smoke crisis is a stark reminder of the interconnectedness of regional air quality issues. As the city's own air quality is impacted by the lingering high pressure system, locals should be vigilant about monitoring conditions before heading outdoors. This is particularly crucial for vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and young children, who may be more susceptible to the harmful effects of poor air quality. By taking simple precautions like checking the air quality index for their zip code and using High-Efficiency Particulate Air filters, Waco residents can minimize their exposure to the toxic particles and gases present in the smoke. Furthermore, the city's proximity to outdoor recreational areas means that residents who enjoy spending time outdoors should be especially mindful of the air quality forecast before engaging in activities like hiking or biking.
About this story
Original reporting by KXXV (ABC 25) News . The Waco surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KXXV (ABC 25) News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: July 21, 2026 ·
Source: KXXV (ABC 25) News ·
Reading time: 1 min
Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Wildfire smoke is making it difficult to breathe for millions of people across the country, and health experts say the best defense is straightforward: stay indoors when air quality is poor. The smoke is primarily coming from fires burning in Canada and northern Minnesota, with a lingering high p...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 21, 2026 by KXXV (ABC 25) News and curated for The Waco readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Scripps News Group at KXXV (ABC 25) News. To learn more about how The Waco selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The Waco, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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