Wildfires Are a Growing Health and Economic Crisis

At the time of publication, two wildfires were burning in Virginia, and nearly a dozen were burning in surrounding states. Smoke from Canadian wildfires is currently causing hazy conditions across much of the state, particularly in central and Eastern Virginia, including cities like Richmond and Norfolk. The haze is not expected to impact air quality significantly, but residents are advised to monitor conditions as winds shift later in the week.

Two new studies published by Nature last week show smoke as a growing global health and economic crisis, driven by rising emissions and climate risk. The reports indicate that the United States and Africa face the highest risks.

How much risk? The studies show that by 2050, over 71,000 annual premature deaths in the US linked to particulate matter in the smoke are likely to occur. This is nearly double the amount of people who have died annually from exposure to wildfire smoke over the past decade.

Why Wildfire Smoke is So Hazardous

Wildfires are generally considered more toxic than house fires due to the presence of more hazardous materials and pollutants. Wildfire smoke contains fine particles and harmful chemicals that can travel deep into the lungs and bloodstream, posing serious health risks.

Billions of people worldwide are exposed to hazardous levels of small airborne particulates known as PM2.5 on at least one day a year due to wildfires, many of which can be hundreds of miles away. Forest fires have a more negative effect on human health because they unearth heavy metals in the soil, including lead and other cancer-causing substances. When wildfires burn homes and vehicles, the smoke becomes especially toxic, carrying a dangerous mix of pollutants not typically found in forest fires.

Asthma sufferers and others with respiratory conditions are impacted faster, but over the long term, other conditions such as compromised immune systems or even those with a flu can be negatively impacted.

Studies indicate that wildfire smoke is responsible for more deaths annually than other climate-driven threats, highlighting its significant health impact.

The Economic Toll

A Stanford and Stony Brook University US-focused study estimates that the country's cost will reach $608 billion by 2050. Health impacts are larger than all other quantified damages of climate change combined.

According to Bloomberg Intelligence, wildfire smoke is already affecting municipal credit markets by driving up borrowing costs for hospitals and nursing homes. This results in higher daily costs for patient care, especially in regions affected by wildfire smoke. In addition, hospitals are facing financial strain due to increased emergency room visits for respiratory issues by uninsured or underinsured patients.

Virginia Wildfire Risk

Wildfire risk in Virginia is monitored by the Virginia Department of Forestry, which uses the National Fire Danger Rating System (NFDRS) to assess fire danger levels.

Today, Virginia is experiencing a moderate fire danger, with a readiness class of 2 - pointing to occasional fire activity. The fall fire season runs from October 15th to November 30th due to drier conditions and domant vegetation. So far this year, over 8100 acres have burned in Virginia, compared to 7500 in all of 2024.

Most of Virginia's wildfires occur in the Blue Ridge Mountains and other forested areas. The state is actively engaged in prescribed burning to manage fuel loads and reduce the risk of fires.

Another advantage Virginia has is that the Appalachian Mountains act as a buffer to the smoke rising from ongoing Canadian wildfires.

Easy Ways To Track Wildfires and Wildfire Risk

Several websites offer insights into current wildfires in the state and areas at higher risk.

Explore your risk - Wildfire Risk to Communities lets you enter your county or state to see where heightened risk exists.

https://www.mapofire.com/ gives you a view of where wildfires are currently burning in the state.

Fire.airnow.gov shows the air quality in your state from wildfires.

How To Protect Yourself From Wildfire Smoke

There are several easy yet effective ways to protect yourself from the impacts of wildfire smoke.

1. Check local guidelines from emergency management officials on air quality using the airnow.gov website

2. Wear masks. N95 respirators or similar masks will filter out harmful particulates. If you don't have these, any mask will help.

3. Use an air purifier. A purifier with a HEPA filter will keep your indoor air cleaner.

4. Check your house for drafts. If you have one under a door or at a window, place a moist towel along the gap to prevent polluted air from entering your home.

5. Use your air conditioner correctly. Make sure you are recirculating air in your car and your window air conditioners.

   
   

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Sources: National Academies, Nevada Today, Insurance Journal, George Mason University, Virginia.gov, ABC 13 News, Wildfirerisk.org, MapOFire.com, Healthline, airnow.gov, wildfirerisk.org