The reversal of a decades-old U.S. Forest Service policy means that federal wildland firefighters can now mask up if they want to — something Washington’s state wildland firefighters have been able to ...

In firefighting forces where many wear no breathing protection at all, the quest to find gear that works could be long and ...

U.S. Forest Service firefighter Alan Gudino, right, shields his face while battling the Madre fire in San Luis Obispo County in July. (Noah Berger / Associated Press) The U.S. Forest Service has ...

To avoid breathing wildfire smoke, it's important to have the right gear. Dust masks, bandanas and damp pieces of cloth won't adequately protect you from inhaling fine particulate matter like PM2.5.

This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today. For decades, firefighters facing some ...

At the height of wildfire season, thousands of firefighters regularly face a host of dangers on the frontline, including confronting toxic smoke. As seasons grow longer and more intense, the health of ...

Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. (Photo by David McNew/Getty Images) The reversal of a decades-old U.S. Forest Service policy means that federal wildland ...