I left California for Indiana because of the wildfires — I just couldn't breathe. I love visiting, but I'd never buy property there.

The author was born and raised in California but moved away to Indiana in 2017 because of the smoke and wildfires.

Photo courtesy of Michelle Mastro

• The author is a California native who grew up witnessing reoccurring wildfires.
• She moved to Indiana due to rampant West Coast wildfires and climate change concerns.
• She's urged her friends and family to leave California as well and doesn't plan on returning.

When I graduated from high school in 2004, there were over 8,000 wildfires across California.