Living in areas prone to wildfires is challenging, but the smoke effects of wildfires and bushfires isn’t contained to fire zones. In the 2019-2020 Australia bushfires, around 158,000 people not exposed to wildfires endured days of ‘very poor’ (150-199) and ‘hazardous’ (200+) air quality. In areas as far reaching as Queensland and Victoria. The health effects? Long term respiratory issues and even premature death. Wildfire smoke is no joke. So in this article, we look at why and how to prepare for wildfire smoke to protect your health. After reading this you’ll know what steps to take to prepare yourself, your home and your family from the hidden menace of increasingly catastrophic wildfire seasons.

How to prepare for wildfire smoke – a summary

Bushfire smoke is no joke. It has serious immediate and long lasting health effects. And the likelihood of you being impacted is rising with the intensity and frequency of catastrophic wildfires. Here’s how to prepare for a smoky wildfire season:

1. Prepare your home – we list 6 methods that will stop smoke from infiltrating inside
2. Prepare your gear – get your family kitted with the right protective gear, if you have to go outside
3. Know when to evacuate – even if a fire is still a long way away, the smoke can be at your door. When is it best to evacuate?
4. Preparing a Bushfire emergency kit.

You’ll find more about each of these steps below, along with some crazy wildfire smoke statistics to get you warmed up for bushfire season.

Why wildfire smoke is no joke

The top 5 statistics about wildfire smoke in the US that you should know about:

1. Smoke Travel: Smoke from the 2020 wildfires on the US West Coast traveled across the country and was visible on the East Coast and even as far as Europe!
2. Air Quality: During the 2020 wildfire season, some parts of California recorded Air Quality Index (AQI) levels over 500, beyond levels considered unhealthy for humans. In some areas, the AQI was off the charts.
3. Health Impact: A 2023 study found that wildfire smoke could lead to between 4000 and 9000 premature deaths annually in the United States.
4. Particulate Matter: Wildfire smoke consists of a mix of gases and fine particles from burning trees and plants. The fine particles, known as PM2.5, are the most concerning because they can be inhaled into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream.
5. Climate Change Impact: Climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of wildfires, leading to more days with unhealthy levels of wildfire smoke. A study found that by mid-century, more than 82 million people in the US could experience smoke waves, or consecutive days with high levels of wildfire smoke.

The 2019-2020 bushfire season in Australia was as terrifying as anyone can remember. But did you know this about the air quality impacts:

1. Smoke Travel: The smoke from the 2019-2020 bushfires in Australia traveled around the globe, affecting air quality in countries as far away as South America.
2. Air Quality: Canberra, the capital of Australia, recorded the worst air quality in the world on New Year’s Day 2020, with an AQI over 20 times the hazardous level.
3. Health Impact: It is estimated that the smoke from the 2019-2020 bushfires caused 445 deaths and over 4,000 hospital admissions in Australia due to respiratory and cardiovascular problems.
4. Climate Change Impact: 2019 was Australia’s driest year since the start of records and Australia’s warmest year.

These are not just interesting facts. They’re the very reason you should look at wildfire smoke as the insidious and hidden health risk it is. And know how to prepare for wildfire smoke each bushfire season.

the Mysteries of Wildfires – how do they start?

Sparked by a lightning strike or a careless human hand, these wildfire infernos sweep across increasingly dry landscapes, leaving a trail of destruction in their wake.

But the impact of a bushfire doesn’t stop at the charred trees and smoky air. It ripples outwards, affecting wildlife, habitats, and human communities far and wide. From the loss of precious wildlife and their homes to the heart-wrenching toll on human lives, the aftermath of a bushfire is a stark reminder of the power of nature and our responsibility to protect it.

The intriguing dynamics of bushfires – what causes a wildfire

Ever wondered what fuels the ferocious flames of a bushfire? It’s a potent cocktail of three key ingredients: fuel, oxygen, and heat. When these elements join forces, they unleash a wildfire that can spiral out of control in the blink of an eye.

Let’s break it down:

1. Fuel on the Fire – The vegetation and organic matter scattered across the landscape are the fuel that feeds the fire. Dry, flammable materials like dried leaves and grass are a feast for the flames, helping the fire to grow and thrive. Even tree barks and branches can become unwilling accomplices, adding to the fire’s intensity and reach.
2. Breath of Life – Oxygen, the very air we breathe, is also the lifeblood of a bushfire. It’s essential to keep a close eye on oxygen levels when fighting bushfires, as an abundance of oxygen can turn a small flame into a roaring inferno. Strong winds can act as bellows, fanning the flames and supplying a steady stream of oxygen, making the fire even harder to tame.
3. Spark of Destruction – Heat is the catalyst that sets the whole process in motion. A simple spark or a bolt of lightning is all it takes to ignite the fire. Once the heat meets fuel and oxygen, a bushfire is born. The heat generated by a bushfire can be so intense that it can conjure its own weather phenomena, including fire tornadoes and pyrocumulus clouds.

Human activities, such as arson, unattended campfires, discarded cigarette butts, and power lines, can also be responsible for igniting bushfires. In some cases, even the sun’s intense heat can cause dry vegetation to catch fire.

How global warming is fuelling catastrophic wildfire seasons

Climate change is like throwing gasoline onto wildfire seasons. Here’s how:

1. Hotter Temperatures: Climate change is driving up temperatures worldwide. Hotter temperatures lead to drier land, which creates tinderbox conditions ripe for wildfires. It’s like setting the stage for a wildfire drama, and all it takes is a single spark to ignite a blaze.
2. Changing Precipitation Patterns: Climate change is also altering precipitation patterns, leading to longer and more severe droughts. Less rainfall means drier soil and vegetation, which again, is prime fuel for wildfires.
3. Stronger Winds: Climate change is causing more frequent and intense wind events. Strong winds can quickly spread wildfires by carrying embers over long distances, igniting new fires far from the original blaze.
4. Pest Infestations: Warmer temperatures allow pests like bark beetles to thrive and infest trees, leaving behind dead and dry wood that is perfect fuel for wildfires.
5. Altered Vegetation: Climate change is causing shifts in vegetation types and distribution, which can affect the availability and type of fuel for wildfires.

For you, that means a higher chance that wildfire smoke will impact you at some time in the future. So how bad is it really, for your health?

How does wildfire smoke affect your health?

As a bushfire rages on, it spews a thick cloud of smoke and ash into the atmosphere. This smoke can embark on a long journey, impacting air quality and posing health threats to humans and animals alike.

Wildfires are no strangers to our natural landscape, but thanks to climate change, they’ve been showing up more often and with a vengeance. When wildfires flex their muscles, they spew out a cocktail of particulate matter and noxious gases into the air. These microscopic invaders can worm their way deep into our lungs, unleashing a host of health woes.

But the fallout from wildfire smoke doesn’t stop there. It can cast a long shadow on our health, with effects that linger long after the flames have been extinguished. It’s crucial to be clued up about the immediate impacts of smoke inhalation and the potential long-term fallout from smoke exposure.

So, the next time you get a glimpse of wildfire smoke on the horizon, think about the hidden dangers lurking in the air far and wide, and the lasting toll they can take on your health.

The Immediate Fallout of Breathing in Wildfire Smoke

When wildfire smoke comes knocking, it’sy our respiratory system that bears the brunt of the assault. Inhaling this smoky menace can unleash a torrent of respiratory troubles, from coughing and wheezing to gasping for air. The fine particles in the smoke act like sandpaper, irritating the lining of our airways and causing inflammation and tightening of the bronchial tubes.

If you are already grappling with respiratory conditions like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are especially at risk. The smoke can set off asthma attacks and ramp up existing respiratory symptoms.

But the havoc wrought by wildfire smoke doesn’t stop at your lungs. It can also wage war on your eyes, causing them to turn red, itch, and water. The minuscule particles in the smoke can irritate the delicate tissues of your eyes, leading to discomfort and impacting your temporary vision. And for some, the smoke may even trigger allergic reactions, adding another layer of misery to the mix.

The Long-Term Toll of Wildfire Smoke Exposure

While the immediate aftermath of smoke inhalation is worrisome, the long-term effects of exposure to wildfire smoke are even more alarming. Research has painted a grim picture, linking prolonged smoke exposure to a host of health hazards, from respiratory and cardiovascular diseases to certain cancers.

Living in wildfire-prone areas and breathing in smoke day in and day out can pave the way for chronic respiratory conditions like bronchitis or emphysema. The relentless inhalation of smoke particles can trigger chronic inflammation in the airways, inflicting lasting damage on lung tissues.

But the threat doesn’t stop there. The toxic gases lurking in wildfire smoke, such as carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides, can slip into the bloodstream and wreak havoc on the cardiovascular system. Long-term exposure to these gases can up the ante for heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular woes.

And then there’s the potential cancer risk. The carcinogenic compounds unleashed during wildfires can cast a long shadow on our health. Studies are examining the line between exposure to wildfire smoke and a heightened risk of lung cancer and other respiratory malignancies.

Shielding yourself and your loved ones from the harmful effects of wildfire smoke is a must, especially during bushfire season. Staying in the know about air quality conditions in your area and taking proactive steps, such as hunkering down indoors, using air purifiers, and donning masks designed to filter out fine particles, can make a world of difference. By being proactive and minimizing exposure, we can dampen the impact of wildfire smoke on our health.

Curious about more ways to protect yourself and your family from the smoky specter of wildfires? Read on to discover more tips and tricks to stay safe and healthy during bushfire season.

Fortress fresh air: Shielding Your Home from Wildfire Smoke

We all know the prevailing advice to stay inside when smoke is about.

So when wildfire smoke threatens the horizon, it’s time to batten down the hatches and smoke-proof your castle. With a few proactive measures and some essential gear, you can keep the smoky invader at bay and minimize its infiltration into your living space.

6 ways to turn your home into an airlock

The first line of defense is to make sure your home is as airtight as a drum. Hunt down any cracks or gaps in doors, windows, and vents, and seal them up. Here’s 6 ways

1. Weatherstripping: a tape used to seal gaps around windows and doors, it can help prevent cold or hot air, as well as smoke and dust, from entering or escaping your home.
2. Foam Tape: This is a type of adhesive tape made from foam that can be used to seal gaps around windows and doors. It comes in various thicknesses and widths to suit different gaps.
3. Expanding Foam: This is a foam sealant that expands as it dries, filling larger gaps and cracks in walls, around window frames, and other openings.
4. Gasket Seals: These are rubber seals that can be installed around door and window frames to create a tight seal when they are closed.
5. Window Film: Applying window film can help seal gaps around the edges of windows and also has the added benefit of reflecting heat.
6. Door Snakes: These are fabric tubes filled with a heavy material that can be placed at the bottom of doors to block gaps.

You might also consider bringing in the big guns – air purifiers or air filtration systems. These devices can help scrub the smoke particles out of your indoor air, making your home a breath of fresh air during bushfire events.

Smoke shield: Armoring Up Against Wildfire Smoke

Guarding yourself against the immediate perils of wildfire smoke calls for a mini arsenal of personal safety measures. From donning protective gear to mastering breathing techniques, here’s how to fortify yourself against a smoky onslaught.

Stepping outside during a bushfire or when the air quality takes a nosedive is not ideal. But if you are in this position, make sure you’re decked out in the right gear to minimize smoke exposure:

1. Opt for long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and closed-toe shoes to keep your skin under wraps.
2. Breathing through a mask or a damp cloth can help sieve out some of the nasty particles floating in the air and minimize smoke inhalation.
3. Don a hat and sport goggles or sunglasses to protect your face and peepers from smoke particles.

Gearing up your family

When it comes to gearing up for bushfires and the smoke they bring, it’s all hands on deck.

Make sure each family member is armed with a properly fitting N95 respirator mask to filter out the harmful particles lurking in the smoke. Stock up on a sufficient supply of masks for everyone.

And don’t forget a portable air quality monitor. This handy device can sniff out particulate matter and give you real-time updates on the air quality index in your area.

Remember, when wildfire smoke comes calling, your home is your fortress. Seal it up, gear up, and keep the smoke at bay. Stay informed, stay prepared, and stay safe!

When to evacuate?

While precautions and personal safety measures are essential, having a well-thought-out evacuation plan is equally vital. Recognizing the signs that indicate the need to evacuate can potentially save lives during a bushfire.

1. Pay close attention to official warnings and updates from local authorities regarding bushfire conditions. Evacuate if:
   • Air Quality Maps show air quality of 100 to 150 on the AQI (poor) in your area. If you have respiratory illness, evacuate earlier.
   • you notice signs such as rapidly approaching flames, dense smoke, or intense heat, it is crucial to evacuate your area immediately.
2. Plan and discuss evacuation routes with your family members in advance. Identify safe locations away from the bushfire-affected and smoke affected areas where you can seek shelter.
3. Prepare a Bushfire Emergency Kit that includes essential supplies such as water, protective eyewear and N95 masks. This article ‘What to put in a Bushfire Emergency Kit‘ will help you pack one in no time.
4. Communicate and practice your evacuation plan regularly to ensure everyone knows what to do in case of an emergency. Take into consideration the needs of individuals with disabilities, elderly family members, and pets when creating your plan.

Recap

Uunderstanding the nature of bushfires or wildfires and preparing for the impact of smoke is critical as fires become more frequent and intense. By familiarizing yourself with the effects of bushfire smoke you can take the right precautions to protect yourself. Smoke-proofing your home, having essential gear at the ready, knowing your evacuation plan and preparing a Bushfire Emergency Kit can minimize the risks. Now as the world warms up, what are you waiting for?