If you believe wildfire smoke contributed to an illness, your next 48–72 hours can affect both your health and your claim.
Start with medical documentation:
- Get evaluated if you have breathing symptoms that persist, worsen, or require rescue inhaler use.
- Ask clinicians to record trigger factors and symptom timing (for example: “symptoms worsened during smoke days”).
- Keep copies of visit summaries, test results, and medication changes.
Then preserve your exposure evidence:
- Save any air-quality alerts you received (phone notifications, local updates, or air monitoring app screenshots).
- Note the dates you experienced symptoms and what you were doing that day—commuting, being outdoors for errands, or spending long hours at home.
- If you have a home filtration system, document what was running, when it was changed, and whether windows/vents were adjusted.
Be careful with recorded statements: Insurers may ask questions that sound routine but narrow the story. Having a lawyer review your situation first can help prevent avoidable missteps.


