Air Quality PSA from UCAIR
We all play a part in Utah’s air quality.
Before I share Utah Clean Air Partnership, a 501.C.3, public service announcement, let me emphasize:
Strategic trip planning—such as consolidating errands, substituting travel with digital or phone inquiries, and prioritizing active transportation like walking and cycling—significantly enhances air quality. In contrast, expanding vehicle lanes to address traffic demands compromises the integrity of our regional ecosystems and built environment.
“July 21, 2026
We're in the heart of ozone season, the stretch of the year when sunlight and rising temperatures combine to make ground-level ozone more likely to form. That challenge is compounded by wildfire season, as smoke from fires near and far can drift into our valleys and add another layer to our air quality concerns. It's a season that asks a little more of all of us, and a good moment to remember that small, everyday decisions add up to something bigger when we make them together.
At Utah Clean Air Partnership, we're committed to working with communities, partners, and individuals across the state to turn that awareness into action by protecting the air we breathe now while laying the groundwork for cleaner air in the years ahead.
Utah Wildfires Season
Utah is in the midst of one of its most intense wildfire seasons on record. The Babylon Fire in San Juan County and the Cottonwood Fire in Beaver and Piute Counties, rank among the largest wildfires in the nation, and several smaller fires, including the Buck Basin Fire in Wasatch County and the Stookey Fire in Tooele County, sparked amid extreme heat and dry conditions. Statewide, acreage burned in 2026 has already surpassed the combined total from 2021–2025, and officials expect elevated fire danger to continue through August.
What this means for air quality: Smoke from these fires can travel far beyond the fire perimeter and cause localized spikes in particulate pollution, even in communities that are nowhere near active flames.
Tips to stay safe:
Check conditions before heading outside and monitor local air quality at Utah DEQ’s Current Conditions website.
If skies look hazy or you notice a smoky smell, move strenuous outdoor activities indoors, especially for kids, older adults, and anyone with asthma or heart/lung conditions.
Keep windows and doors closed on smoky days and run an air purifier or HVAC system on recirculate if you have one.
If you do go outside, consider wearing an N95 or KN95 mask. These masks can filter 95% of fine particles when worn properly.
Stage 2 fire restrictions are in effect on many public lands. Campfires, off-road vehicle sparks, and open flames are prohibited. Never park hot vehicles on dry grass. Current fire restrictions can be found at:Active Fire Restrictions | Utah Fire Info
If you're near an active fire zone, sign up for local emergency alerts and know your evacuation routes in advance. Wildfire | Be Ready Utah
For a look at current wildfires, there are resources at: Live Utah Fire Map and Tracker | Frontline, Utah Fire Info, or Watch Duty - Wildfire Maps & Alerts
Support information for underserved urban and rural communities can be found here: SmokeReadyUtah: Building smoke-ready communities
Air Filters for Schools & Community
Clean indoor air matters just as much as what's happening outside, especially during wildfire smoke, summer ozone, and winter inversion seasons. UCAIR partners with the Utah Division of Air Quality, the Utah Department of Health and Human Services, and the University of Utah to provide high-efficiency air filters and portable air cleaners to local schools, helping create healthier indoor environments for students and staff.
High-quality air filters help reduce exposure to fine particles and other pollutants, particularly when outdoor air quality is poor. UCAIR is a key community outreach partner, leading the establishment of local advisory boards and gathering community feedback to ensure indoor air quality interventions are tailored to the specific needs of schools, their staff, and the families they serve.
For more information about this project, visit Smoke Ready Utah and Clean Air Schools for U.
UCAIR Air Ambassadors
UCAIR’s Air Ambassadors high school program is in full swing this summer, giving high school students hands-on exposure to air quality science and clean-air careers.
Air Ambassadors participate in at least one experiential field trip each month, combining hands-on site visits with online learning modules that reinforce real-world application.
Students who successfully complete the summer cohort are eligible to earn scholarship funds, and the program culminates with a capstone event and expert panel in August.
Recent and upcoming stops have connected students with professionals across STEM and sustainability fields, building the kind of real-world network that's hard to get from a classroom alone. Students remain part of the Air Ambassadors network after the program ends, with continued access to leadership opportunities and networking events.
To learn more about the program, visit www.ucair.com/highschool.
Save the Date: UCAIR Annual Summit
The Utah Clean Air Partnership's Annual Summit will be held on October 15 at the Mid-Valley Performing Arts Center for an evening of conversation, connection, and collaboration around clean air in Utah.
Interested in sponsoring? Reach out to Dane Ishihara at dane@ucair.org.”