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Public Health

Wildfires pose serious risks to public health, both during and long after a fire.

Beyond deaths and injuries caused directly by flames, wildfire smoke and air pollution can affect communities far from the affected area, increasing respiratory and cardiovascular risks and placing pressure on health systems. Explore the latest research, insights and resources on the health impacts of wildfires and the measures needed to reduce risk and protect vulnerable populations.

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Young Latin male tennis player resting and drinking water on tennis court in sunny hot day at summer
Update
Here are 6 ways that climate change is affecting sports around the world

The sports economy is worth $2.3 trillion a year, but faces challenges from our changing climate. A new World Economic Forum report outlines pathways to ensure resilience.

World Economic Forum (WEF)
Research briefs
Mental health crisis after 2023 Maui wildfires extends beyond burn zones

The 2023 Maui wildfires were linked to significantly higher levels of depression and anxiety among residents, with impacts extending beyond the burn zones and closely tied to housing and income disruption.

University of Hawai'i
Research briefs
California communities’ recovery time between wildfire smoke events is shrinking

Californians have long dealt with wildfire smoke as a seasonal fact of life, but those fires have become more intense and frequent, raising the profile of wildfire smoke as a public health issue.

University of California, San Diego
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
Research briefs
Rural Australians need mental preparation as much as sandbags ahead of disasters

Facing 12 times higher disaster risks than city dwellers, psychological readiness for rural Australians can be just as vital as emergency kits.

University of Melbourne
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)
Outback mining town in North of Western Australia
Research briefs
Climate change eclipses La Niña cooling in Australia to drive extreme heatwave and heightened fire risk

From 5–10 January, 2026, south-eastern Australia experienced its most severe heatwave since 2019–20. Temperatures exceeded 40°C in major cities including Melbourne and Sydney, with even hotter conditions across regional Victoria and New South Wale.

World Weather Attribution
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