Wildfires, increasingly frequent and severe due to climate change and human activities, emit fine particulate matter (PM2.5) that causes respiratory issues, exacerbating asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Wildfire smoke exposure leads to lung injury through oxidative stress, inflammation, and increased susceptibility to infection. It increases healthcare utilization, including emergency visits and hospitalizations, and may cause asthma onset, long-term lung function impairment, and higher mortality. Vulnerable groups, such as children, older adults, and occupationally exposed individuals, are most at risk. Future research is needed to develop effective risk mitigation strategies and wildfire management practices. Wildfire smoke contains toxic pollutants, including PM2.5, carbon monoxide, and volatile organic compounds, which can cause oxidative stress and systemic inflammation. PM2.5 from wildfires is more toxic than ambient pollution due to higher exposure peaks and different composition. It can penetrate deep into the lungs, causing local and systemic damage, and is linked to increased respiratory symptoms, hospitalizations, and long-term lung function decline. Wildfire smoke exposure is associated with increased all-cause mortality and may contribute to lung cancer and cardiovascular disease. Epidemiological studies show a strong link between wildfire smoke exposure and asthma and COPD exacerbations, with increased emergency department visits and hospitalizations. Wildfire smoke also affects respiratory health in the long term, with studies showing reduced lung function and increased risk of respiratory infections. Vulnerable populations, including children, older adults, and socioeconomically disadvantaged groups, are disproportionately affected. Strategies for reducing wildfire smoke exposure include limiting outdoor activity, using air quality alerts, wearing masks, and using air filtration systems. Public health measures such as school closures and evacuation orders can help mitigate risks. However, barriers to implementation include cost and communication challenges. Future research should focus on improving wildfire prediction systems, assessing toxic exposures, and exploring long-term health effects of wildfire smoke. Integrated approaches across forestry, fire management, and public health are essential to address the growing public health crisis from wildfires.Wildfires, increasingly frequent and severe due to climate change and human activities, emit fine particulate matter (PM2.5) that causes respiratory issues, exacerbating asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Wildfire smoke exposure leads to lung injury through oxidative stress, inflammation, and increased susceptibility to infection. It increases healthcare utilization, including emergency visits and hospitalizations, and may cause asthma onset, long-term lung function impairment, and higher mortality. Vulnerable groups, such as children, older adults, and occupationally exposed individuals, are most at risk. Future research is needed to develop effective risk mitigation strategies and wildfire management practices. Wildfire smoke contains toxic pollutants, including PM2.5, carbon monoxide, and volatile organic compounds, which can cause oxidative stress and systemic inflammation. PM2.5 from wildfires is more toxic than ambient pollution due to higher exposure peaks and different composition. It can penetrate deep into the lungs, causing local and systemic damage, and is linked to increased respiratory symptoms, hospitalizations, and long-term lung function decline. Wildfire smoke exposure is associated with increased all-cause mortality and may contribute to lung cancer and cardiovascular disease. Epidemiological studies show a strong link between wildfire smoke exposure and asthma and COPD exacerbations, with increased emergency department visits and hospitalizations. Wildfire smoke also affects respiratory health in the long term, with studies showing reduced lung function and increased risk of respiratory infections. Vulnerable populations, including children, older adults, and socioeconomically disadvantaged groups, are disproportionately affected. Strategies for reducing wildfire smoke exposure include limiting outdoor activity, using air quality alerts, wearing masks, and using air filtration systems. Public health measures such as school closures and evacuation orders can help mitigate risks. However, barriers to implementation include cost and communication challenges. Future research should focus on improving wildfire prediction systems, assessing toxic exposures, and exploring long-term health effects of wildfire smoke. Integrated approaches across forestry, fire management, and public health are essential to address the growing public health crisis from wildfires.