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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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Update
Study estimates 2023 Canadian wildfire smoke caused 82,000 premature deaths globally

Smoke from record-breaking Canadian wildfires in 2023 caused an estimated 5,400 acute deaths and about 82,100 premature deaths worldwide, a new study shows.

The Canadian Press
A sunrise casts its light over the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of West Los Angeles, in the aftermath of the 2025 wildfires.
Research briefs
Wildfires are changing the air we breathe - here’s what that means for your health

In a new study published in the journal Atmospheric Environment, it is shown that large wildfires produce large amounts of ozone into the atmosphere. This not only impacts our lungs and other health concerns but contributes to the warming of the planet.

University of Colorado
Wildfire smoke billowing near residential neighborhood in LA
Research briefs
Wildfire smoke could soon kill 71,000 Americans every year

You may live many miles away from a wildfire, but it could still kill you. That's because all that smoke wafting in from afar poses a mortal risk.

Grist Magazine
Research briefs
Study links 2023 Maui wildfire to spike in suicide, overdose

Deaths by suicide and drug overdose significantly increased in the aftermath of the August 2023 Maui wildfire, according to a new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA).

University of Hawai'i
Update
Overlooked climate-change danger: Wildfire smoke

Researchers rush to get hands around multiple serious health risks as blazes mount — and get bigger

Harvard Gazette
Cover
Documents and publications
Advancing new metrics for wildfire smoke exposure: Case study in Alaska to bridge public health, climate adaptation, and fire management

For this study, researchers developed a historical air quality dataset for Alaska using a hybrid approach that integrates GEOS-Chem atmospheric modeling with ground-based data to estimate daily wildfire-attributable PM2.5 from 2003–2020.

Environmental Research: Letters (IOP)
Prescribed burning manager lightning a controlled fire in California, USA
Research briefs
Study shows controlled burns can reduce wildfire intensity and smoke pollution

A new Stanford-led study finds that controlled, low-intensity fires known as prescribed burns can slash wildfire intensity and dangerous smoke pollution across the western United States.

Stanford Woods Institute for the Environment
Update
Extreme heat and wildfire smoke is a risky combination, new study finds

With wildfires blazing and temperature records being broken, many Canadians could be experiencing smoky air alongside soaring heat this summer — , the combined effects could be uniquely hazardous to human health.

University of British Columbia
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