Governor Gianforte has designated June 8-12 as Montana Wildfire Smoke Ready Week, a statewide effort to encourage residents to prepare for wildfire smoke before it impacts our communities. As part of this year’s observance, Climate Smart Glacier’s 2026 Wildfire and Smoke Outlook for Western Montana has been recognized as a featured event, alongside local efforts to improve public awareness, preparedness, and access to clean indoor air. (see the proclamation here)
“Being prepared for wildfire smoke is similar to preparing for any other emergency,” said DPHHS Asthma Control Program Manager BJ Biskupiak. “Knowing where to find trusted air quality information, having a plan for protecting your family, and creating a cleaner indoor air space can help people stay healthy during smoky conditions.”
As part of Montana Wildfire Smoke Ready Week, Climate Smart Glacier is officially announcing the creation of three Clean Air Resource Centers in Flathead County and hosting a DIY HEPA Box Fan Workshop on June 8 at 5:30 p.m. at the Whitefish Community Library. The workshop will demonstrate how residents can build an affordable and highly effective air filtration unit using a standard box fan and furnace filters.
Climate Smart Glacier has partnered with three community institutions to establish Clean Air Resource Centers in Flathead County: the Whitefish Community Library, the Gateway Community Center in Kalispell, and the Columbia Falls Community Center. During periods of hazardous wildfire smoke, these facilities will provide public spaces where residents can find relief from poor air quality, access educational resources, and learn practical steps to reduce smoke exposure at home.
The centers were established through a partnership between Climate Smart Glacier and the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services as part of a statewide effort to improve community resilience to wildfire smoke and expand public access to clean indoor air.
“A Clean Indoor Air Center partners perfectly with a library, where we already have space for learners of all ages,” said Mary Drew Power, Director of the Whitefish Community Library. “We’re so glad Climate Smart Glacier asked us to join this partnership.”
The Gateway Community Center sees the initiative as an extension of its commitment to serving the community during times of need. “The Gateway Community Center exists to support the well-being of our community,” said Jodie Cross, Director of the United Way. “Providing a clean air space during smoke events is a practical way we can help residents stay safe while continuing to access community resources and services.”
At the Columbia Falls Community Center, leaders view the program as both a service and an educational opportunity. “Wildfire smoke has become a reality that affects families, seniors, and children across our community,” said Mary Soreson, Site Manager of the Columbia Falls Community Center. “Participating in the Clean Air Center program allows us to provide a healthier indoor environment while helping people learn how they can better protect themselves during smoke events.”
Each Clean Air Center is equipped with indoor air quality monitoring equipment and has undergone an assessment to identify opportunities to improve indoor air quality during smoke events. The centers also serve as community hubs for information on wildfire smoke preparedness and health protection.
Wildfire smoke has become an increasingly common part of life across western Montana. Even during years with relatively few local fires, smoke from large fires across the Pacific Northwest and western Canada can significantly impact air quality in the Flathead Valley. Smoke events can affect anyone, but children, older adults, pregnant individuals, and people with heart or lung conditions face elevated health risks.
“Many people assume they are protected from wildfire smoke simply by going indoors,” said Adam de Yong, a community resilience specialist with Climate Smart Glacier . “In reality, indoor air quality can be nearly as poor as outdoor air during prolonged smoke events if a building lacks adequate filtration. These Clean Air Centers provide a place where community members can find relief while also learning practical steps they can take to improve air quality in their own homes.”
The Clean Air Center initiative builds on Climate Smart Glacier’s broader Wildfire Smoke and Health program. Through a partnership with Logan Health, nearly 200 HEPA filtration units have been distributed to low-income and at-risk households throughout the Flathead Valley. Additional partnerships with local childcare providers are helping improve indoor air quality for young children, including at Kalispell Head Start through collaboration with the Early Childhood Coalition of Flathead County.
The addition of Clean Air Centers expands these efforts beyond individual households, creating public spaces where anyone can find relief during periods of hazardous smoke while learning practical steps to reduce exposure.
As part of Montana Wildfire Smoke Ready Week, Climate Smart Glacier will host two public events focused on wildfire and smoke preparedness:
DIY HEPA Box Fan Filter
June 8, 2026 | 5:30 p.m.
Whitefish Community Library
Residents are invited to attend a free demonstration showing how to build a low-cost DIY HEPA box fan air cleaner. These simple filtration systems can significantly improve indoor air quality and provide an affordable option for households seeking protection from wildfire smoke.
2026 Wildfire & Smoke Outlook Forum
June 9, 2026 | 6:00 p.m.
The 2026 Wildfire and Smoke Outlook Forum will bring together experts from the National Weather Service, Montana Climate Office, U.S. Forest Service, FireSafe Flathead, Climate Smart Glacier, and Climate Smart Missoula to discuss:
- Seasonal wildfire and smoke forecasts
• Drought and fuel conditions across western Montana
• Long-term climate and wildfire trends
• Home and neighborhood wildfire preparedness
• Strategies for reducing smoke exposure and improving indoor air quality
Panelists include:
- Alex Lukinbeal – Meteorologist, National Weather Service (Missoula)
- Kyle Bocinsky – Montana Climate Office at the University of Montana
- Mike West – U.S. Forest Service and FireSafe Flathead
- Amy Cilimburg – Climate Smart Missoula
Moderator: Adam de Yong, Climate Smart Glacier
The forum will be simulcast live from:
- Flathead Valley Community College, Arts & Technology Building Room 139 (Kalispell)
• Missoula Public Library, Cooper Rooms A & B (Missoula)
A Zoom attendance option is also available at this link: bit.ly/MTwildfireoutlook .
These initiatives reflect Climate Smart Glacier’s growing efforts to strengthen community resilience through practical, locally driven solutions. By expanding access to clean air, improving preparedness, and fostering partnerships across the Flathead Valley, the organization is helping communities better anticipate and respond to the challenges posed by wildfire smoke and other natural hazards.