Wildfire smoke recently pushed Evanston’s air quality into very unhealthy ranges, raising urgent questions about whether the city is prepared to protect residents from the long-term consequences. Smoke exposure is a public health emergency. Although the dangers of wildfire smoke extended across Evanston, residents did not have equal means to protect themselves. Evanston public health officials should establish screening and health education programs, especially for residents with asthma, emphysema and other pre-existing respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. The smoke has cleared for now, but Evanston’s leaders must build a coordinated response before the next wildfire episode threatens residents’ health.