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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.”

 

 

Category
Firefighter Health & First Aid
References
WFSTAR Module - Smoke: Knowing the Risks
FINAL REPORT Wildland Fire Smoke Health Effects on Wildland Firefighters and th…
Factors affecting smoke and crystalline silica exposure among wildland firefigh…
Wildland firefighter smoke exposure and risk of lung cancer and cardiovascular …
Firefighter's Acute Inflammatory Response to Wildfire Suppression

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NWCG Latest Announcements

NEW! Incident Performance and Training Modernization Story Map Now Available

Date: Aug 26, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
National Wildfire Coordinating Group

NWCG is excited to announce the launch of the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) Story Map, a new interactive resource that showcases how NWCG is transforming wildland fire training and qualifications through a performance-based system.

Since its launch in 2023, IPTM has made major strides in updating how we manage incident positions:

  • 36 incident positions now have new Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Books available for field use
  • 6 more incident positions are nearing completion
  • 111 total incident positions are being analyzed through the IPTM initiative

The Story Map guides you through the IPTM process, highlights key accomplishments, and outlines what’s ahead. Whether you are a trainer or a trainee, this tool offers valuable insight into the modernization effort shaping the future of wildland fire training and qualifications.

This effort would not be possible without the contributions of NWCG staff, NWCG committees, and hundreds of subject matter experts across the wildland fire community.

References:

IPTM Story Map

Incident Performance and Training Modernization Webpage

NEW! S-290, Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (Blended) Available Now

Date: Aug 15, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Fire Behavior Subcommittee

NWCG is excited to announce that the S-290, Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (Blended) training is now available on the Wildland Fire Learning Portal. S-290 (Blended) training combines online training and instructor-led training components that support individuals working towards any Single Resource Boss or Fire Effects Monitor incident qualifications.

This second course in the series collectively serves to develop fire behavior prediction knowledge and skills, and provides more detailed information on fuels, weather, and topography that affect wildland fire behavior for safety purposes.

Students are required to finish the prerequisite S-190, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior, before enrolling in S-290, Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (Blended).

References:

S-290, Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (Blended)

S-190, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

NEW! S-271, Helicopter Crewmember (Blended) Now Available

Date: Aug 14, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Interagency Helicopter Operations Subcommittee

The S-271, Helicopter Crewmember (Blended) is now available. Developed through the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort, this training supports individuals working towards Helicopter Crewmember (HECM) incident qualifications. 

S-271, Helicopter Crewmember (Blended) training combines online training and instructor-led training components. This course is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to perform the duties of the HECM position, as described in the NWCG Incident Position Standards for Helicopter Crewmember, PMS 350-22.

Any changes to qualification pathways will take effect with the next update of the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1, scheduled for January 2026.

References:

S-271, Helicopter Crewmember (Blended)

NWCG Helicopter Crewmember (HECM) Position Page

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Books Now Available for FBAN and LTAN

Date: Aug 13, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Fire Behavior Subcommittee

NWCG is excited to announce that Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Books are now available for Fire Behavior Analyst (FBAN) and Long Term Fire Analyst (LTAN).

The Performance Support Packages for these positions were developed as part of the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort. These resources support trainees, qualified personnel, and evaluators in their respective roles.

Any changes to qualification pathways will take effect with the next update of the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1, scheduled for January 2026.

References:

NWCG Fire Behavior Analyst Position Page

NWCG Long Term Fire Analyst Page