Wildfire Outlook

Wildfire Outlook June 2024

Fire activity gradually increased across the western geographic areas in the US in May, while fire activity continued at low levels in the Southern Area, primarily in Florida and Texas. Above normal significant fire potential is forecast for central and south Florida, far west Texas, much of central and western New Mexico, portions of southeast Arizona, portions of southern Nevada, and southwest Utah in June. Similar to last year, a slow beginning to the peak fire season is forecast for California, with below normal potential forecast for much of California in June. Normal potential is forecast Hawai’i in June.

Wildfires Affect Health in Many Ways
Wildland fire increases the risk for a diverse range of health outcomes from both the fire itself and smoke. For example:

Due to the nature of their work, firefighters are at risk of developing severe heat-related illness (such as heat stroke) and rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown).
Wildfire can cause burns through contact with flames and hot surfaces as well as chemical and electrical burns.
Wildfire smoke can lead to disorders including reduced lung function, bronchitis,exacerbation of asthma, and cardiovascular effects like heart failure.
For pregnant people, smoke exposure may increase the risk of reduced birth weightand preterm birth.
Wildfire smoke may affect the immune system, potentially leading to increased vulnerability to lung infections like COVID-19.
Smoke and ash from wildfires can travel downwind and affect air quality hundreds of miles away from the fire.
Who is at high risk in the counties with above normal wildland fire potential in June?

People at elevated health risk from wildfire smoke exposure according to EPA – PDF include those who:

Face economic, social, environmental, and/or other burdens that may limit their ability to reduce exposure (e.g., identify as a racial or ethnic minority, have low income, have one or more disabilities, and/or work outdoors); and/or
Have increased biologic sensitivity (e.g., are under age 5, are age 65 or over, are pregnant, and/or have chronic health conditions such as asthma or another lung disease or a cardiovascular disease).
Agricultural Workers: A Priority Population for Mitigating Smoke Exposure
Wildfires are occurring more frequently across the U.S., exposing more Americans to wildfire smoke. Wildfire smoke is composed of complex mixtures of toxic gasses and particulate matter, including PM2.5. Exposure to elevated levels of PM2.5 is associated with negative health effects including eye and respiratory tract irritation, exacerbation of respiratory conditions, heart failure, and even death, especially for outdoor workers and other at-risk groups of people – PDF.

Wildfire smoke is hard to predict and can persist in areas for long periods of time, placing outdoor workers, including agricultural workers, at elevated risks of exposure. Since wildfire smoke often comes along with heat waves, outdoor workers are regularly exposed to both hazards simultaneously, compounding their health risks. Recent studies showing a predicted 35% increase in worker smoke exposure days for agriculture workers in the Central Valley of California by 2050 emphasize the urgency of protecting agricultural workers from these cumulative climate hazards.

There are an estimated 2.9 million agricultural workers . The creation of culturally and linguistically appropriate training and resources related to wildfire smoke protection can help migrant and seasonal agricultural workers protect themselves from the dangers of smoke exposure. Important preventative measures for agricultural workers, as well as all outdoor workers, include providing masks or respirators that filter out PM2.5 particles during wildfire smoke events, and providing water, shade, and breaks during the working day to limit dehydration.