Closing windows does not fully protect from wildfire smoke

By the Editorial Team · Thursday, August 6, 2026

Researchers in Greater Manchester found that closing windows during wildfire smoke events reduces but does not fully block indoor air pollution from smoke particles. This highlights the need for more comprehensive strategies to protect residents’ health, especially as wildfires become more common and window closure alone cannot address heat and smoke challenges.

Recent data from Greater Manchester highlights the limitations of closing windows as a protective measure against wildfire smoke pollution. Throughout July, when wildfires raged in the nearby Pennines, air quality monitoring revealed that while shutting windows can reduce indoor smoke levels, it does not fully prevent smoke particles from entering homes.

The analysis of indoor air quality, conducted by researchers including Dr. Thomas Bannan of the University of Manchester, underscores the complexities of managing smoke exposure. Dr. Bannan noted that although closing windows remains a recommended strategy during periods of elevated smoke, it is not a complete safeguard. The data also indicated that opening windows during heat spells to alleviate indoor temperatures can inadvertently worsen indoor air pollution by allowing more smoke to enter.

These findings point to a challenging balance between mitigating smoke inhalation risks and preventing overheating indoors during wildfire events. As wildfires become an increasingly frequent occurrence in the region, public health advisories may need to consider additional measures beyond window closure to better protect residents.

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