Missoula proclaims June 8–13 as Wildfire Smoke Ready Week; Climate Smart Missoula outlines resources and events

Missoula City Council on July 8 presented a proclamation declaring June 8–13, 2026 as Wildfire Smoke Ready Week to raise awareness of smoke risks and readiness steps.

Amy Sullenberg, executive director of Climate Smart Missoula, said the city and Missoula Public Health have coordinated outreach and that this is the sixth annual local observance. She described practical steps residents can take—purchasing HEPA air cleaners or making box-fan filters for homes—and noted that businesses and large commercial buildings may require HVAC technician assistance to achieve effective indoor filtration.

Sullenberg invited the public to a free panel discussion at the Missoula Public Library’s Cooper Rooms A and B at 6 p.m. on the coming evening. The forum will include presenters from Flathead Valley Community College and other regional experts, be simulcast with remote participation via Zoom, and be recorded for later viewing. She pointed listeners to montanawildfiresmoke.org for statewide smoke-forecast and health-protection resources.

Sullenberg framed the week as public education and preparedness rather than regulatory action: "It's an opportunity for folks to get the word out on not just the risks, but also what folks can do," she said.

The proclamation cites increased wildfire potential across the western U.S. and links smoke exposure to respiratory, cardiovascular and other health risks. Climate Smart Missoula and Missoula Public Health will staff outreach tables through the week (including at the farmers market) and provide guidance on indoor air filtration and other protective measures.

Next steps: Climate Smart Missoula and Missoula Public Health will continue outreach events through the declared week and share resources online; the council recorded the proclamation on the meeting record.