From bandannas to N95s: It’s finally time for wildfire fighters to mask up

According to the Los Angeles Times, Timothy Ingalsbee said masks are unsuitable during strenuous operations on steep terrain when they clog or restrict breathing. “There are times when masks are unsuitable and firefighters overheat and they are uncomfortable. But there’s a lot of times when they’d be very useful in limiting their exposure. And maybe could save some lives.”

The Los Angeles Times reported that masks may be especially useful in base camps or during vehicle movement on dusty access roads. It said such selective use could meaningfully reduce cumulative exposure even if not applied in all field tasks.