Managing the risks of wildfire smoke

Smoke events can occur without warning but preparation is essential. This guide is the product of a collaborative effort by scientists, air quality specialists, land managers and public health professionals from federal, state, and local agencies. It is

New research analysing fires in Washington, Oregon, and Colorado reveals that unlike local incidents, smoke from distant wildfires may lead to an increase in asthma-related doctor visits. This finding could influence how communities are warned about smoke hazards.

New research finds that the number of deaths associated with the inhalation of wildfire smoke in the U.S. could more than double from 15,000 annually today to 40,000 by the end of the century. Continued increases in wildfire activity in the continental United States due to climate change could worsen air quality over the coming decades, triggering more deaths.

Researchers have developed an advanced model that can help predict soot and smoke emissions caused by wildfire smoke. The model is aimed at helping the Forest Service and other wildfire management groups better know the impact of prescribed burns on the surrounding urban environments and understand the related health effects of pollutants.

As climate change helps increase the number of wildfires in the western US, smoke from fires has been linked to asthma attacks and heart problems, and has contributed to a decline in air quality. Because fires cause smoke containing gases and microscopic particles, detrimental health effects could impact people far away from the original fire site.

Satellite measurements coupled with inexpensive air quality monitors could help protect humans from smoke particulates during wildfire events. Recent research shows that ground-level sensor array can identify particulate matter hotspots, and track the movement of these hotspots as the fire evolved.

After the firestorm has passed, the risks to health remain. These include physical and chemical hazards associated with damaged structures, contaminated air, food and water, and the well-documented risks to mental health and well-being. Returning requires caution and preparation.

The EC Joint Research Centre confirms in its annual forest fires report that there is a trend towards longer and more intense fire seasons in Europe, as a result of hotter and drier conditions induced by climate change. Smoke from wildfires poses a health risk as it causes severe air pollution. With extending wildfire seasons, health impacts are expected to grow.

A recent study shows differences in exposure to wildfire smoke experienced by elderly in the United States. Among elderly, black people were at a higher risk of exposure to more than one wildfire smoke wave than their white peers. Across all races, elderly women have a higher risk of admission to the hospital for respiratory issues than elderly men.