Forest Fire Smoke and Rats

[..Shea..]

Well there has been a lot of smoke being blown in from the California wildfires that are currently burning.
Today the health department issued a 'Stage One' alert for air quality.
Here is a link to more information on the alert;
http://www.ktvn.com/Global/story.asp?S=8547451

Now knowing ratties have sensitive respiratory systems how worried should I be?
Should I move them somewhere where they wont get a lot of access to the smokey air. Currently all windows in the house are open due to it being so darn hot. We try not to use the air conditioner if we can. I know I'm going to have to move my cockatiel here shortly into the bathroom because of how smokey it is. And was wondering if I should move the rats there too?

[Kristy R]

To be on the safe side I would if it's possible.  Of course watching them and their reactions will tell you a lot about whether or not its bothering them.  From what I've read and heard if its bad for you its bad for them.  And worse for them I suppose since they have respiratory problems   I hear you though.  I'm here in SO Cal and when those fires start it SUCKS!

[italianqt]

All I did when we had the fires last year was move their cage away from the window. There wasn't much more I could do in an apartment, unfortunately. Air purifiers are AWESOME for stuff like this. Unfortunately, they all did get a bit sneezy afterwards because we needed to evacuate and the air was so nasty, even though they were outside for only a minute.

If you can, try to get some additional air filters in front of your vents or something to clean out the air one more time.