Wildfires🔥

What is a Wildfire?

Wildfires are unplanned fires that burn in natural areas such as forests and grasslands; however, wildfires are becoming more common for fires to spread into urban and suburban areas that border natural areas, known as the “Wildland Urban Interface.”

What is the "Wildland Urban Interface?"

According to the US Fire Administration, the wildland urban interface (WUI) is the transition zone between undeveloped land and human development.

How do wildfires start?

85-90% of wildfires in the United States are caused by human activities, such as discarded cigarettes, unattended campfires, and intentional arson. Other causes of wildfires include lightning strikes, dry vegetation, low relative humidity, and high winds.

Has climate change made wildfires worse?

Climate change has worsened wildfires by creating hotter and drier conditions, leading to more frequent and intense occurrences. Warmer temperatures have led to longer wildfire seasons, too.

Health Effects of Air Pollution

Scientists are still learning new things about how wildfires can affect our health, but here is what we know so far:
- Respiratory symptoms: Coughing, wheezing, trouble breathing, reduced lung function, increased risk of asthma exacerbation
- Cardiovascular effects: Heart attack, stroke
- Increased risk of ER visits and hospital admissions due to respiratory and cardiovascular effects
- Other: Eye irritation, scratchy throat, runny nose. headaches, tiredness, nausea, skin rashes

At-Risk Populations

Some communities and populations will feel the effects of air pollution more intensely than others. Below are some examples of groups at greater risk.

People with Existing Conditions

Wildfires can significantly worsen existing conditions, such as asthma, COPD, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes, because the fine particles from wildfire smoke can irritate the lungs and worsen pre-existing health problems.

Infants & Children

Due to their developing lungs, children are more sensitive to the fine particles in smoke. This can cause respiratory issues such as coughing, difficulty breathing, and eye irritation, and worsen pre-existing conditions like asthma.

Outdoor Workers

Responders (e.g., firefighters) and outdoor workers rely on their occupation to make a living, but that also means being exposed to wildfire smoke. For firefighters, wildfire smoke exposure has been linked to cardiovascular disease, lung damage, brain fog, respiratory infections, and neurodegenerative disorders.

Pregnant People

Exposure to wildfires during pregnancy has been associated with pre-term birth, low birth weight, and other adverse maternal and newborn health conditions.

Staying Safe During Wildfires

Follow the ready.gov/wildfires checklist to prepare for wildfires.

This includes a) recognizing warnings and alerts, b) making an emergency plan, c) reviewing important documents such as insurance policies, d) strengthening your home, e) knowing your evacuation zone, and f) gathering supplies in a Go Bag (check out Cal Fire’s recommended list: https://readyforwildfire.org/prepare-for-wildfire/emergency-supply-kit/)

If there is an active wildfire near your home...

Pay attention to emergency alerts and notifications
Evacuate immediately if told to do so
Use an N95 or KN95 mask to protect yourself from smoke inhalation if you have to go outside
Limit exposure to smoke in your home by making sure your doors and windows are closed

Solutions to Preventing Wildfires

Campfires & Bonfires

Only use appropriate fire pits cleared of all vegetation and ringed by stones
Never leave a fire unattended
Make sure your fire is completely doused with water and smothered with dirt before leaving
Do not start a fire on a windy day

Yard Waste

Do not burn yard waste unless it’s allowed by your municipality. If you can, place yard waste in your compost bin.
- If you are allowed to burn yard waste, never leave the fire attended, and make sure your fire is completely doused or smothered with dirt before leaving
- Only burn yard waste in a 50-gallon drum or fire pit
- Do not burn yard waste on a windy day

Smoking

Dispose used matches and butts in a closed container or cup of water

Cars and Other Combustion Engines

Do not park a hot car on dry grass
Do not allow gasoline or motor oil to spill on grass or other vegetation

Advocacy Actions

Individual Actions

Use social media to spread awareness about fire safety
Sign and share petitions about wildfire prevention and forest management
Create defensible space around your property
Participate in citizen science programs that monitor forest health and fire risks
Support and donate to organizations focused on forest conservation and fire prevention

Local Actions

Attend local city or county council meetings to advocate for comprehensive wildfire prevention ordinances and voice support for local vegetation management initiatives
Support funding for local fire departments and other fire prevention resources

State and Federal Actions

Contact state legislators or congressperson to advocate for increased funding for wildfire prevention and forest management programs
Support environmental and conservation groups that raise awareness about wildfire risks
Advocate for comprehensive national forest management policies

Ready to test your knowledge? Take the quiz below!

Quiz

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