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Last updated 21 Jul 2026

Managing the risks of wildfire smoke

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Introduction

Wildfire smoke is an increasingly widespread and complex risk that extends far beyond the boundaries of active fires. Smoke can travel hundreds or even thousands of kilometres, exposing communities to hazardous air pollution, disrupting livelihoods and infrastructure, and placing significant strain on health systems. As climate change contributes to longer and more intense wildfire seasons in many regions, understanding and managing the risks associated with wildfire smoke has become an essential component of disaster risk reduction and public health preparedness.

Discover publications, research, guidance, case studies and practical tools that examine the causes, impacts and management of wildfire smoke. The resources explore topics including air quality monitoring, smoke forecasting, health protection, risk communication, early warning systems and governance approaches that support coordinated action across sectors. Designed for policymakers, practitioners, researchers and emergency managers, these resources highlight evidence and good practices that can help strengthen preparedness, reduce exposure and build resilience to the growing risks of wildfire smoke.

Hazards
Wildfire

Knowledge base

Update
Wildfire smoke threatens the World Cup final. FIFA still doesn’t have a plan.

There’s no way to close off the open-air stadium where stars Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal are slated to square off.

Grist Magazine
Research briefs
Tracking the long journey of smoke from wildfires

When we see a forest fire on the news, it is easy to think of it as a local emergency. A new CMCC study shows that smoke from Italian forest fires can travel hundreds to even thousands of kilometers, carrying fine particles.

Centro Euro-Mediterraneo sui Cambiamenti Climatici (CMCC)
Research briefs
Researchers improve ability to predict wildfire smoke impacts

U.S. National Science Foundation-supported researchers discovered that incorporating a better representation of carbon-based chemicals  found in smoke into advanced models enables more accurate  predictions of air pollutants to help improve air quality.

National Science Foundation (NSF)
Research briefs
Eaton fire sent a pollution wave across Los Angeles

A USC Dornsife-led study found that the Eaton fire’s daily carbon monoxide emissions far exceeded L.A. County’s average daily emissions from all human activity.

University of Southern California Dornsife
Wildfire smoke increases assaults: Evidence from Seattle thumbnail
Documents and publications
Wildfire smoke increases assaults: Evidence from Seattle

This study highlights the direct causal link between wildfire-derived air pollution and interpersonal violence in urban environments, focusing on Seattle, Washington, between 2013 and 2023.

Environmental Research: Letters (IOP)
Research briefs
UNM researchers link heavy wildfire smoke exposure to poorer mental health measures

In a paper published in the journal Respiratory Research, a team mapped wildfire smoke exposure across New Mexico at a 1x1 kilometer resolution, using estimated air quality data combined with satellite imagery.

The University of New Mexico
Wildfire heatwave compund event
Research briefs
Growing evidence points to link between autism and wildfire smoke

Two new studies have identified an alarming connection between exposure to wildfire smoke during pregnancy and autism in young children.

Grist Magazine
Research briefs
Smoke from wildfires linked to 17,000 strokes in the US alone

People exposed to wildfire smoke have a higher risk of suffering a stroke, according to research published in the European Heart Journal.

European Society of Cardiology (ESC)
Research briefs
Exposure to wildfire smoke late in pregnancy may raise autism risk in children

Exposure to wildfire smoke during the final months of pregnancy may raise the risk that a child is later diagnosed with autism, according to a new study led by Tulane University researchers.

Tulane University
Research briefs
Get ready for smokier air: Record 2023 wildfire smoke marks long-term shift in North American air quality

A new analysis of air quality data from the past 70 years shows that Canada’s record wildfire smoke in 2023 is part of a broader, continent-wide trend toward smokier skies across North America.

Columbia Climate School