Wildfires across the American West this summer spewed out smoke full of particulates that darkened skies, created unnaturally beautiful sunsets and boosted health risks far and wide. This problem has been getting worse as the years go by. So how will we move forward?

Today, we convene our monthly Masters of Disasters panel — L.A. Times air quality reporter Tony Barboza, wildfire reporter Alex Wigglesworth and earthquake and COVID-19 reporter Ron Lin — to talk about what makes wildfire smoke special, how to protect yourself and what the future might be. We also discuss reasons to be optimistic. And no, we’re not apologizing for the corny jokes. You’re welcome.

More reading:

Wildfire smoke now causes up to half the fine-particle pollution in Western U.S., study finds

Wildfire smoke may carry ‘mind-bending’ amounts of fungi and bacteria, scientists say

As ‘diesel death zones’ spread, pollution regulators place new rules on warehouse industry

How to keep the air in your home clean when there’s wildfire smoke outside