safety
Tips on how to stay safe from hazardous wildfire smoke
Summary by The Nashville Editorial Desk · Based on reporting by Scripps News Group , NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate)
· 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 Nashville Editorial Desk — automated, rule-governed Original reporting Scripps News Group, NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate) 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 Nashville
Nashville residents, particularly those with pre-existing respiratory conditions, should be vigilant about the air quality in their area, as the wildfire smoke affecting the country can have severe health implications. The city's geography, with its mix of urban and rural areas, can create microclimates where air quality varies significantly from one neighborhood to another. It is crucial for residents to check the air quality in their specific zip code, rather than relying on general reports, to make informed decisions about outdoor activities. Additionally, local schools and community centers may need to adjust their outdoor schedules and activities to minimize exposure to poor air quality, and residents should be aware of any such changes. By taking precautions and staying informed, Nashvillians can protect themselves from the potentially harmful effects of wildfire smoke.
About this story
Original reporting by NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate) . The Nashville 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 NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: July 21, 2026 ·
Source: NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate) ·
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 NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate) and curated for The Nashville readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Scripps News Group at NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate). To learn more about how The Nashville selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The Nashville, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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