Lung Safety Tips: Wildfire, Campfire, Fire Pits and Other Wood Smoke Make an Appointment Ask a Question Search Conditions Sitting by an outdoor fire can be enjoyable, but for people with a respiratory disease such as asthma, COPD, emphysema, etc., inhaling smoke from wood or wildfires, even briefly, can irritate the eyes, throat and lungs. Take Extra Precautions to Protect Your Lungs This information has been reviewed and approved by Flavia Cecilia Lega Hoyte, MD (June 2021).