Wildfires

Last updated on June 18th, 2024 at 11:12 am

Wildfires are fires that burn out of control in a natural area, like a forest, grassland, or prairie. They often begin unnoticed. They spread quickly, and can damage natural resources, destroy homes, and threaten the safety of the public and firefighters. Large, uncontained wildfire events have increased in recent years, threatening farmers and ranchers. Although there are no guarantees of safety if you live in an area threatened by a wildfire, you can take actions to protect yourself.

Respiratory Health

During wildfires, air quality becomes drastically worsened due to smoke from burning materials and chemicals. Particulate matter also known as PM2.5 associated with air pollution and wildfires can be deposited deep into the respiratory tract inhibiting lung and cardiovascular function. Visit www.AirNow.gov from the US Environmental Protection Agency to see air quality index measures by location. Learn more about respiratory health best practices from AgriSafe.

Livestock Safety

Livestock sensing wildfire danger can become irritated, aggressive, or panicky. Relocating livestock during stressful times should be carefully planned to limit injury. Deceased livestock can host and spread zoonotic diseases so follow guidelines to prevent the spread of communicable diseases.

Water Sources

Water quality can be affected due to materials and chemicals being burned. Flame retardants, pesticides, and organic material can make ground water not suitable for human or animal use.

Heat Related Illnesses

Disaster recovery is physically strenuous, especially in hot temperatures. Intense heat exposure can cause Heat Related Illnesses. Signs include excessive thirst, weakness, headache, loss of consciousness, nausea and vomiting, muscle cramps, and dizziness.

Mental Stress

After a natural disaster, you’re dealing with the extra stress of current conditions, along with the daily stress of farm and ranch operations. Natural disasters such as wildfires create a tremendous amount of additional stress and anxiety. You may develop major depression, generalized anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Learn more about mental health from AgriSafe.

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Wildfire Resources

Articles

• Wildfires: What Parents Need to Know
• Wildfire Associated Health Risks Impacting Farmers and Ranchers

Resource Library

ID	Title	Summary	Link
12780	Amenazas para la salud en caso de incendios	A Spanish language guide on protecting yourself against wildfire health threats. English Title: Wildfire Health Threats	View
9390	Breathe Easy: Protect Yourself from Wildland Fire Smoke	Learn steps to get informed about wildfires and protect yourself. Spanish Title: Protéjase del humo de incendios forestales	View
9533	Protect Your Lungs from Wildfire Smoke	An illustration on the proper respirator to wear to protect yourself from wildfire smoke.	View
9391	Protéjase del humo de incendios forestales	Learn steps to get informed about wildfires and protect yourself. English Title: Breathe Easy: Protect Yourself from Wildland Fire Smoke	View
9535	Wildfire Health Threats	A guide on protecting yourself against wildfire health threats. Spanish Title: Amenazas para la salud en caso de incendios	View
9389	Wildfire Smoke Exposure and Population Health	July 22, 2014 presentation slides from Dr. Colleen Reid on how wildfire smoke impacts populations.	View

Webinars

Webinar Title	Summary	Link
Wildfire Health Threats: Risk Factors for Farmers and Ranchers (June 17, 2021)	Wildfires have become a persistent health threat for people working in agriculture. This webinar will focus on understanding the risks of exposure to wildfire smoke and potential strategies for responding to protect human health. Best practices for protecting worker health will be shared based on California’s requirements along with resources for talking with agricultural workers about wildfire exposure risks.	Watch

Websites

• AirNow
• Air Quality Index
• Particulate Matter (PM) Pollution
• Water Quality after a Wildfire

Page updated: July 2021