Journal Article

Background

Background

Background

An increase in the occurrence of large, high severity wildfires in the western Pacific Northwest (PNW), USA, has created an urgent need for science to better inform forest management and policy decisions to maintain source water quality in the region.

Wildfires have increasingly affected human and natural systems across the western United States (WUS) in recent decades. Given that the majority of ignitions are human-caused and potentially preventable, improving the ability to predict fire occurrence is critical for effective wildfire prevention and risk mitigation.

The increase in the frequency, duration, and intensity of wildland fires is a significant source of air pollution that can impact perinatal outcomes. This study assessed associations between wildfire fine particulate matter <2.5 μm (PM_2.5) and adverse birth weight outcomes among singleton term births in California for 2007–2018.

Background

Efforts to understand, assess, and address diversifying recovery needs have growing relevance as wildfires continue to impact communities. However, little is known about social experiences navigating gaps in assistance funding and support or “unmet needs” in post-fire spaces, particularly for indirect impacts like smoke damage.

Rapid, well‑coordinated aerial response can be an effective way to limit wildfire growth during the initial‑response period. To date, most studies of wildland fire aviation effectiveness have relied on data from aircraft provided by the United States Forest Service, while other agencies aircraft have received less attention.

Wildfires are a source of air pollution, including PM_2.5. Exposure to PM_2.5 from wildfire smoke is associated with adverse health effects including premature death and respiratory morbidity.