Wildfire smoke is a significant public health problem, especially in Western states where large wildfires are becoming increasingly more common. Smoke from outdoors can enter institutional and commercial buildings and can make indoor air hazardous to breathe. Because buildings vary in their design and construction, they also vary in their levels of protection against wildfire smoke.
To help maintenance and engineering managers in these states create healthier indoor environments in the face of wildfire smoke, the federal government is stepping in.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is expected to award $10.67 million in grant funding to nine selected recipients across the country to enhance community wildfire smoke preparedness. Of these recipients, the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services is anticipating a $610,000 grant to improve wildfire smoke messaging and awareness, improve HVAC maintenance and develop a clean shelter recognition program.
The department will use the funds to engage partners in increasing wildfire smoke awareness and preparation. These plans will include creating and piloting a clean air shelter recognition program in six communities for easy replication in other high need areas, creating culturally appropriate and tailored messaging on wildfire smoke and air quality, and providing training to building and facility managers on HVAC maintenance and importance of good indoor air quality.
Additional states in EPA Region 8 receiving funding for wildfire smoke preparedness include Montana and Utah public health entities:
Dan Hounsell is senior editor for the facilities market. He has more than 30 years of experience writing about facilities maintenance, engineering and management.
