As wildfires rage across the western United States, communities are banding together to combat the dire air quality caused by smoke. In a remarkable display of grassroots activism, mutual aid organisations like Clean Air Clubs and Mask Blocs are stepping in to provide essential resources, including masks and air purifiers, to those affected.
A Smoke-Filled Reality
In Mendocino County, California, Miquette Thompson has watched as smoke from nearby wildfires envelops her home. With the Feliz and Woodside fires scorching more than 1,000 acres, coupled with smoke from devastating fires in Oregon and Washington, the air quality has plummeted. “It’s become not unusual,” she lamented, reflecting on the now-common sight of a hazy sky.
The health implications of wildfire smoke are stark, especially for vulnerable populations like the elderly and those with pre-existing respiratory conditions. A recent study from the University of California revealed a 10% increase in asthma-related hospitalisations on days when smoke fills the air. Recognising the urgent need for action, Thompson and her fellow members of Mendo Clean Air Club have mobilised to distribute personal protective equipment (PPE) to their community, an initiative that began during the Covid pandemic.
The Rise of Clean Air Clubs
Founded by Emily Dupree in Chicago, Clean Air Clubs aim to lend air purifiers and distribute masks to communities grappling with poor air quality. The first club was established to support touring musicians during the pandemic, but it has since evolved into a vital resource for those facing the dual crises of Covid and climate change. Mask Bloc Los Angeles, for instance, distributed over 300,000 masks in just two weeks during the catastrophic wildfires in January 2025.
Dupree encapsulated the essence of their mission: “Covid and climate change are two major pillars of collective denial in the last decade. Our lending library was created in response to a public health failure, but it also addresses the growing threat of climate change.”
Dupree’s club has witnessed a significant uptick in demand, especially during periods of heightened wildfire activity. “When we noticed that our lending library of air purifiers wasn’t fully booked during smoke events, we knew we had to act,” she recounted. By encouraging residents to reserve purifiers, they quickly mobilised resources to those in need, bypassing bureaucratic hurdles that often slow down official responses.
Community-Led Initiatives Make a Difference
In Delaware, Shannon Durkin, a Mask Bloc organiser and cystic fibrosis patient, has seen firsthand the impact of these initiatives. After the Covid emergency was declared over in 2023, she felt a sense of isolation and fear return. Yet, alongside her husband, Jimmy, she launched Mask Bloc Delaware to distribute KN95 masks during smoky conditions caused by Canadian wildfires. Their efforts included door-to-door distributions in Wilmington, where they encountered surprising enthusiasm for the masks, even among those who were unaware of the health risks associated with poor air quality.
The work of Clean Air Clubs and Mask Blocs has never felt more critical, especially as the current administration casts doubt on the ongoing relevance of masks and the severity of the pandemic. “We can’t afford to get sick or to get long Covid,” Thompson explained, highlighting the economic realities faced by many in her rural community. “A lot of us are manual labourers who rely on our health to make a living.”
Cultivating Hope and Action
The momentum behind Clean Air Clubs is growing, with Dupree even creating a guide to help others establish their own initiatives. As communities increasingly grapple with the intersecting crises of climate change and public health, mutual aid offers a beacon of hope.
“A lot of people feel overwhelmed by the state of the world,” Dupree noted. “But focusing on one problem can often lead to solutions for others, and that brings a sense of freedom.”
Why it Matters
The emergence of Clean Air Clubs and similar organisations highlights the power of community resilience in the face of environmental and public health crises. As wildfires become more frequent and severe, the ability to mobilise quickly and effectively will be crucial in safeguarding community health. These grassroots efforts not only provide immediate relief but also foster a sense of solidarity and agency, reminding us that collective action can spark meaningful change in times of uncertainty.
