As wildfires rage across the western United States, communities are banding together to combat the hazardous air quality that has ensued. In areas like rural Mendocino County, California, residents are taking the initiative to distribute protective gear and air purifiers, ensuring that vulnerable populations can breathe a little easier amidst the smoke.
Rising Smoke Hazards
Miquette Thompson, a resident of Mendocino County, has witnessed her community enveloped in smoke for days on end due to the nearby Feliz and Woodside fires, which have consumed over 1,000 acres. The ongoing wildfires in Oregon and Washington have exacerbated the air quality crisis, leaving many locals struggling to manage their health in such conditions.
“It’s become not unusual,” Thompson remarked, referring to the persistent haze that now clouds the sky. The health impacts of wildfire smoke are particularly concerning for older adults and individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions. A recent study from the University of California revealed a 10% increase in asthma-related hospitalisations on days marked by poor air quality.
In response to these alarming circumstances, Thompson has joined forces with the Mendo Clean Air Club, a grassroots initiative aimed at distributing free personal protective equipment (PPE) and air purifiers. The club emerged from a history of local organisation focused on public health, adapting their efforts to meet the urgent needs posed by wildfire smoke.
The Emergence of Clean Air Clubs
The Mendo Clean Air Club is part of a broader network of over 40 clean air clubs globally. The initiative was inspired by Emily Dupree from Chicago, who first lent air purifiers to touring musicians during the COVID-19 pandemic. With the increasing threat of climate change and wildfires, these clubs have evolved to offer essential resources to communities affected by smoke pollution.
Mask Bloc Los Angeles is another prominent example, having distributed over 300,000 masks during the catastrophic fires in January 2025. Dupree noted the dual crises of COVID-19 and climate change, asserting, “These challenges reflect a collective denial we’ve faced over the past decade. Our lending library, initially a response to public health failures, now also addresses the urgent threat of worsening air quality.”
In July, when Chicago’s air quality suffered due to wildfire smoke, Dupree observed a lack of demand for their air purifiers. Determined to help, she encouraged community members to borrow the devices. Within hours, the library was fully booked, demonstrating the community’s urgent need for clean air resources.
Mobilising Support Quickly
The effectiveness of initiatives like Clean Air Clubs lies in their speed and accessibility. Unlike bureaucratic organisations, these volunteer-led efforts can swiftly deploy resources to those in need. Shannon Durkin, an organiser with Mask Bloc Delaware, understands this urgency all too well, especially as someone with cystic fibrosis who felt sidelined during the pandemic.
In 2024, alongside her husband Jimmy, Durkin launched Mask Bloc Delaware, distributing KN95 masks during protests and partnering with local groups such as Food Not Bombs. As wildfire smoke from Canada blanketed the east coast in July, they began delivering PPE in Wilmington, where they found an eager audience, often unaware of the health risks posed by the smoke.
“Our goal is to educate and provide,” Durkin explained. “Many people don’t realise how serious air quality issues are until they see the smoke.”
The Continuing Necessity of Clean Air Initiatives
With the current administration downplaying the severity of both COVID-19 and air quality issues, the work of Clean Air Clubs and Mask Blocs has never been more crucial. Thompson believes in the importance of conveying health risks to her rural community, emphasising that illness is an unaffordable burden for those who rely on their physical labour for income.
“A lot of us can’t afford to get sick,” she said. “Here, we simply don’t have the resources to manage that.”
As awareness of clean air initiatives continues to rise, Dupree has even created a Google document to guide others in establishing their own clubs. The message is clear: mutual aid can provide hope and actionable solutions in times of crisis.
“A lot of people feel overwhelmed by the world’s problems,” Dupree shared. “But by focusing on one issue, you often find solutions that address other challenges as well. There’s a freedom in that realisation.”
Why it Matters
The emergence of Clean Air Clubs and similar initiatives highlights the power of community solidarity in times of environmental crisis. As wildfires become increasingly common due to climate change, the proactive steps taken by these groups not only provide immediate relief but also foster resilience and awareness against future threats. By mobilising quickly and sharing resources, these grassroots efforts exemplify how communities can adapt and thrive, ensuring that no one is left to face the smoke alone.
