Responses to wildfire and prescribed fire smoke: A survey of a medically vulnerable adult population in the wildland-urban interface, Mariposa County, California
Objectives: California plans to substantially increase the use of prescribed fire to reduce risk of catastrophic wildfires. Although for a beneficial purpose, prescribed fire smoke may still pose a health concern, especially among sensitive populations. We sought to understand community health experience, adaptive capacity and attitudes regarding wildland and prescribed fire smoke to inform public health guidance.
Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey of medically vulnerable persons in a rural, high fire risk county, Mariposa, California (N=106, 76% >65 years) regarding health effects from wildfire and prescribed fire smoke; health protective actions; information needs; and support for fire management policies. Qualitative comments were reviewed for context and emerging themes.
Results: More than half (58%) of participants reported health impacts from wildfire smoke and 26% experienced impacts from prescribed fire smoke. Participants expressed strong support for prescribed fire, although also concerns about safety and smoke. Respondents reported taking actions to reduce smoke exposure (average 5 actions/person), but many (47%) lacked confidence that they could successfully protect their health. More information was desired on many topics, including notifications about prescribed fires, health protection, and exposure reduction. Persons who were satisfied with the information they were receiving tended to be more confident in their ability to protect their health (61% vs. 35%).
Conclusions: As California expands use of prescribed fire to combat wildfires, the need for effective health protective communications regarding smoke is increasingly vital to protect public health. We recommend seeking solutions that strengthen community resilience and address equity for vulnerable populations.