Evacuating a wildfire area can be scary, but experts say people can significantly improve their own safety with a little preparation and situational awareness.

The fires burning across Los Angeles County have sent billowing plumes of black smoke into the air, posing a major health threat even as quick-moving flames have blowtorched homes, schools and other buildings.

As the fires rage and air quality worsens, the risk of health problems escalates. That’s because wildfire smoke contains fine particulates, known as PM2.5, which are one-seventi

Staying indoors and making sure the air quality in your home is clean from wildfire smoke are two of the CDC's top safety recommendations.

As wildfires blaze in California, many are evacuating while firefighters work to extinguish the flames. Residents in and around this area are now dealing with poor air quality, which can be especially concerning for older individuals,

Here are some safety tips on what to do before and during a wildfire evacuation, and what to do if you are trapped.

E veryone I know out west lives under the shadow of impending smoke, and a lot of us have had to evacuate at some point due to an encroaching fire, like the ones raging in L.A. ri