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Effects of Smoke Exposure

 

Wildland fire smoke is a complex mix of chemicals and particles, which varies depending on the fuels, soil, weather, fire intensity, and the burning phase of the fire. Some of the chemicals and particles that are present can pose a health risk particularly with higher exposures or long duration exposures. Wildland fire smoke can cause irritating respiratory symptoms and, over time, could possibly increase the risk of developing long-term illnesses.

While the makeup of smoke varies, here are just a few of the ways smoke could impact your health:

  • Carbon Monoxide (CO) – Exposure to CO from wildland fire smoke or from other sources (such as exhaust from chainsaws, engines, or pumps) may lead to a variety of symptoms including impaired vision and judgement, headaches, and fatigue. In extreme situations, high levels of exposure can cause asphyxiation, which can lead to death.
  • Fine Particulate Matter (PM) – Wildland fire smoke contains very small particles (PM) which can penetrate deep into the lungs. Long-term exposure can affect the lungs and heart, especially in individuals with underlying health issues (e.g., high blood pressure, high cholesterol), smokers, and those who work in stressful environments.
  • A variety of other chemicals, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), are also present in wildland fire smoke. These may further increase your risk of short-term or even long-term health effects.
  • COVID-19 –  Susceptibility to COVID-19 resulting from smoke exposure has not yet been specifically studied, but related studies show exposure to wildland smoke can lead to an increased susceptibility to respiratory infections, including pneumonia and bronchitis. Additionally, severity of infections or symptoms may be increased due to the respiratory tract’s immune responses to smoke exposure. Thus, it’s assumed that risk of COVID-19 infection would be high for firefighters with respiratory issues resulting from wildland smoke exposure.

Smoke is part of the wildland fire environment. Now more than ever, firefighters and incident overhead should be on the lookout for opportunities to reduce exposure. Incident overhead can think strategically about assigning wildland firefighting tasks in certain work environments and ask does our workforce really need to be in the smoke to meet the operational objectives? Other considerations include:

  • Is camp located where smoke accumulates?
  • Is the crew dispersed holding a smoke-choked road when the probability of ignition is near zero?
  • Are firefighters mopping-up an area that poses no operational threat?

Discussion: There are certain tasks that have been associated with higher exposures to smoke. Below are some of those tasks. How can you and your crew realistically reduce smoke and PM exposure during these (and other) tasks?

  • Mop-up
  • Holding
  • Line construction
  • Firing

Think about and discuss this partial quote from an article in Two More Chains: Summer 2017 Low Hanging Fruit:

“As CO exposure increases, your ability to think clearly decreases. Being in smoke you don’t need to be in is the epitome of not working smarter. In fact, it is actually working dumber.”

 

 


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NWCG Latest Announcements

2024 Wildland Fire Emergency Medical Service Awards

Date: May 22, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Emergency Medical Committee

The NWCG Emergency Medical Committee (EMC) is proud to announce the recipients of the 2024 Wildland Fire Emergency Medical Service Awards. Each year, EMC recognizes individuals and groups who have demonstrated exceptional actions or accomplishments that go above and beyond their normal mission or job duties.

Congratulations to all the awardees and nominees. Through leadership and initiative, they have made significant contributions to the safety and well-being of the wildland fire community. These honors are well deserved.

References:

2024 Wildland Fire EMS Awards

NWCG Emergency Medical Committee

NWCG Welcomes the Incident Management Teams Association as an Associate Member

Date: May 21, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
https://www.nwcg.gov/contact-us

The NWCG Executive Board is honored to announce that the Incident Management Teams Association (IMTA) has joined the National Wildfire Coordinating Group as an associate member.

IMTA is a dedicated group of incident management professionals committed to enhancing the profession by promoting standards and fostering collaboration across federal, state, local, Tribal, and private sector partners throughout all phases of incident management.

“Joining NWCG aligns with our mission to elevate incident management professionals nationwide,” said Dr. Randal Collins, President of IMTA. “This is a proud moment for all of us committed to advancing public safety.”

References:

Incident Management Teams Association

National Wildfire Coordinating Group

Updated NWCG Guide for Wildland Fire Modules, PMS 431

Date: May 14, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Fire Use Subcommittee

The updated NWCG Guide for Wildland Fire Modules, PMS 431 serves as a supplemental resource for wildland fire module operations, providing information frequently used in the field.

PMS 431 defines the organizational structure, staffing, and qualifications for Type 1 and Type 2 Wildland Fire Modules, outlining their roles in wildland fire suppression, prescribed fire, and resource management. The NWCG Guide for Wildland Fire Modules, PMS 431, should be used in conjunction with the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Module Operations, PMS 430.

References:

NWCG Guide for Wildland Fire Modules, PMS 431

NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Module Operations, PMS 430

Updated NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Resource Typing, PMS 200 Now Includes Off-Highway Vehicle Typing Standards

Date: May 13, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Mobile Fire Equipment Subcommittee 

The NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Resource Typing, PMS 200 has been updated to include newly developed Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) typing standards. These standards organize OHV information into logical categories and outline key safety requirements for occupants.

NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Resource Typing, PMS 200 establishes minimum typing standards for aircraft, crews, and equipment used in national mobilization to wildland fire incidents. Typing designations are assigned based on measurable capability and performance criteria.

References:

NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Resource Typing, PMS 200