Articles tagged with Wildfires
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A cohort study found that long-term exposure to wildfire and fine particulate matter was associated with dementia diagnoses. The study suggests that reducing wildfire PM2.5 exposure could decrease dementia diagnoses and address health disparities.
A new Stanford University report aims to increase diversity and inclusivity in the wildland fire profession. The study identifies cultural, structural, and capacity-related barriers that have historically prevented a more diverse group of people from entering and succeeding in the field.
New studies reveal significant increases in Atlantic hurricane seasons and derecho events, while also highlighting the dangers of turbulence near thunderstorms and extreme heat stress. Climate models predict a rise in precipitation extremes across US cities, particularly during winter and spring.
A new crowdsourcing system, FireLoc, uses a network of low-cost mobile phones to detect wildfires minutes—even seconds—after they ignite. The system prioritizes privacy and accurately maps wilderness fires to within 180 feet of their origin.
Researchers found that wildfire suppressant products can contribute to elevated metal levels in the environment. The study tested 14 fire suppression products and found that they contained at least one metal exceeding EPA's Maximum Contaminant Level regulations for drinking water.
A study by USC researchers estimates that 850,000 pounds of toxic metals have been released into the environment in the Western US from 2009-2021. The team found a range of heavy metals, including chromium and cadmium used as corrosion inhibitors, as well as arsenic in phosphate ores.
Research led by a firefighter co-author sheds light on polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons' affinity for DNA and ability to evade repair, highlighting potential health risks. The study's findings could inform public policy and accelerate the development of safer chemicals.
A new study found that fast-growing fires account for nearly 90% of fire-related damages, despite being rare. The research shows a critical gap in hazard preparedness, as national-level fire risk assessments do not account for fire speed.
New research reveals a global increase in burnt areas due to climate change, despite efforts to manage fires through human activities. In regions like Western Siberia and North America, the amount of burnt area is sharply increasing, attributed to longer droughts and higher temperatures.
International experts warn that climate change will have a significant impact on emergency medical services globally, with 62% of respondents saying no assessment or action has been taken. The need for mitigation actions, education, and research is considered crucial in all regions.
Research at UC Davis found that megafire smoke can lower energy reserves in orchard trees and cut nut production by half, affecting plants for months after the fire. The study suggests that trees are vulnerable to smoke like humans, impacting agricultural and natural environments.
A new study found a significant link between intimate partner violence and certain climate shocks, such as storms and floods, in 156 countries. Countries with higher GDP had lower rates of intimate partner violence, highlighting the need for climate mitigation efforts to reduce violence against women.
The Pantanal's soda lakes, characterized by high pH and salinity, have practically dried up due to rising temperatures and wildfires. The study found that certain types of lakes, such as eutrophic turbid lakes, emit methane due to cyanobacterial blooms and decomposing organic matter.
Tree-ring data reveal that periodic shifts in strong winds high above the Earth's surface have driven opposite climates in different parts of Europe for the past 700 years. This research provides critical data to improve climate models, comparing past patterns to current trends and societal impacts.
A new study warns that future climate change will intensify wildfires in the Arctic region, leading to an abrupt switch from no fires to very intense ones within just a few years. The accelerated permafrost thawing is expected to increase soil water and vegetation biomass, exacerbating fire fuel.
Snowmelt rates vary by slope orientation and receive varying amounts of solar radiation. The study found that burned south-facing slopes accumulate less snow and melt earlier than other aspects due to increased solar radiation absorption. This understanding will improve models and tools for water managers.
Researchers from University of Utah introduced Simulating Travel Rates in Diverse Environments (STRIDE) model to predict walking travel times with unprecedented accuracy. The model considers slope steepness, vegetation density, and ground surface roughness for efficient routes.
Researchers found that women exposed to higher levels of nitrogen dioxide and inhalable particulate matter during the second trimester face an almost fourfold increased risk of postpartum depression. The study also discovered a sustained effect of air pollution on symptoms of depression for up to three years after birth.
Scientists have created a way to lessen smoke taint in wine by adding molecularly imprinted polymers during or after fermentation. The technique selectively removes undesirable volatile compounds while preserving desirable constituents.
The UC Irvine study found that frequent wildfires and smoke exposure take a significant toll on physical and mental health, local economies, and community resilience. Residents shared stories of breathing difficulties, sinus problems, eye irritation, psychological stress, anxiety, and fear due to persistent smoke and extreme heat.
A new perspective article highlights the impact of wildfires on individuals with COPD and asthma. The five-part Population Health Approach, developed by the University of California, Davis Health, identifies high-risk patients and provides interventions to mitigate poor air quality's negative effects.
A new study published in Physical Review Letters suggests that nanohertz gravitational waves may not originate from supercool first-order phase transitions. Researchers found that such transitions would struggle to complete, shifting the frequency of the waves away from nanohertz frequencies.
The State of Wildfires report found that carbon emissions from wildfires globally were 16% above average, with Canada and Amazonia experiencing unusually high numbers of fires. Climate change increased the likelihood of extreme wildfires in these regions by at least three times and up to six times.
A study by Rutgers researchers examined particulate matter from a June 2023 fire that triggered advisories for over 100 million Americans in the Northeast. The analysis revealed extremely high concentrations of ultrafine particles and toxic chemicals, surpassing national air quality standards.
The impacts of natural disasters on plant health can be devastating, with the potential for direct effects from disasters like pathogen or vector dispersal. Human-driven disasters also create conditions favorable to the spread of plant pathogens, leading to crop loss and disease spread.
A new study suggests that California's affordable housing crisis is driving increased development in and near wildlands, putting residents at higher-risk for climate-related natural disasters. The research aims to understand the drivers of Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) growth and its impact on environmental dynamics.
Climate events in California lead to negative mental health effects in over 1/5 of affected individuals. Young, white women and those experiencing property damage are disproportionately affected.
The Western Fire & Forest Resilience Collaborative will engage a research team to study wildfire challenges and solutions in Colorado, leveraging fieldwork, remote sensing, and modeling to inform fire management strategies. The funding from Lyda Hill Philanthropies will help minimize devastating fires and maintain resilient forests.
A newly enhanced database is expected to help wildfire managers predict where and when wildfires will occur by incorporating hundreds of additional factors. The revised Fire Program Analysis Fire-Occurrence Database now includes information on 2.3 million fires in the United States from 1992 to 2020, providing a deeper understanding of...
The upcoming ESA2024 conference will bring together fire ecology experts to present the latest research on wildland fires. Understanding past, present, and future fire regimes is crucial for developing effective conservation and management strategies. The event will feature talks and posters on topics such as fuel breaks, long-term mon...
The world's forests continue to absorb significant amounts of carbon dioxide, with an average of 3.5 billion metric tons per year, nearly half of global fossil fuel emissions between 1990 and 2019. Despite disruptions, certain land management practices can help preserve this critical carbon sink.
Researchers found that wildfire-induced aerosols can lead to both ozone depletion and increase at different atmospheric layers, with the middle stratosphere experiencing an increase in ozone concentrations. This complex interplay buffers approximately 40% of ozone depletion observed in the lower stratosphere.
A new study reveals widespread decline in Western US forest carbon storage, likely caused by drought and fire. The research provides a framework for evaluating future changes and informing management strategies to mitigate carbon loss, highlighting the need for proactive forest management practices.
Research reveals wildfire ash can have devastating consequences on Australian water ecosystems, affecting both terrestrial and aquatic organisms. The study found that two common crustacean species had varying levels of sensitivity to ash concentrations, with some unable to survive even low doses.
Researchers study droughts, wildfires, and precipitation changes across the US Southeast and globally. The Great Salt Lake's drying exacerbates regional droughts, while a Maui wildfire is linked to atmospheric patterns.
A new study finds that over 100,000 oil and gas wells in the western US are at risk of wildfires, posing a compound hazard to nearby populations. The research highlights the need for proactive action to prevent future harms.
A recent study by Oregon State University found that US adults are fairly confident in linking wildfires and heat to climate change, but less so for hurricanes, flooding, or tornadoes. The survey also revealed significant differences in responses based on politics, personal experience, and demographics.
A study found that nearly all US lakes were exposed to wildfire smoke for at least one day per year between 2019 and 2021. The researchers introduced a new metric, the 'lake-smoke day', to track smoke prevalence at lakes, which could help establish a baseline to better understand the extent of wildfire impacts.
Human-induced global warming has risen to 1.19 °C over the past decade, with the remaining carbon budget estimated to be around 200 gigatonnes, down from 300-900 gigatonnes in 2020. The report highlights the need for rapid emission reductions and resilient societies to mitigate climate change.
A review study published in Nature Reviews Earth & Environment highlights the need for better monitoring of changes in soil and surrounding ecosystems after wildfires. This enhanced monitoring could inform decisions on treating drinking water sourced from burned areas, reforestation, and protecting workers against toxins.
A new model combines wildfire smoke forecasts and ground-based sensor data to help public health officials plan targeted interventions. The researchers found that urban and rural communities already burdened by pollution face higher air pollution levels during unexpected smoke events.
A new study establishes official climate divisions in Hawaii, improving climate research and forecasting. Chronic pain sufferers who spend time outdoors experience stronger weather-based effects, while lightning-initiated wildfires are responsible for more than half the acres burned in the contiguous United States.
A study modeling Siberian wildfires' effects found significant impacts on air quality, climate, health, and economies in East Asia. The research suggests a cooling effect globally and worsened air quality in downwind regions.
The year 2023 saw unprecedented extreme weather events globally, with a record-breaking temperature increase of 1.45°C above pre-industrial times. Emerging features include earlier onset of heatwaves and increased simultaneous events in different parts of the world.
Scientists have constructed a global map of burned areas at the edge of cities, revealing a significant increase in wildland-urban interface (WUI) fires worldwide. The fraction of global fires occurring in WUI areas increased by 23% from 2005 to 2020.
A recent study by the University of California - Riverside found that carbon dioxide is driving an increase in the severity and frequency of wildfires by fueling the growth of plants that become kindling. This process occurs because plants use the extra CO2 to make carbohydrates, leading to an increase in biomass that burns.
The UK's 2022 drought, the worst since 1976, emphasized the importance of early mitigation measures due to its rapid onset and extensive impacts on water resources, wildlife, and people. Improved monitoring and forecasting systems can help prevent similar extreme weather events in the future.
A study by Prof. Xu YUE from Nanjing University of Information Science & Technology found a causal relationship between remote extreme heat and the 2023 Canadian wildfires. The research revealed a significant correlation between high temperatures and fire intensity, with anomalies in maximum temperatures preceding severe wildfire events.
A PSU study analyzed the meteorology behind the September 2020 Western United States extreme weather event, which caused record-breaking cold temperatures and early-season snowfall in the Rocky Mountains. The research found that a highly amplified wave pattern persisted for several days, fueled by dry air from western Canada.
Researchers found that Indigenous communities in California were exposed to 1.7 times more wildfire smoke than expected, with the average annual exposure being a critical factor in understanding long-term health effects. The study proposes new metrics to measure cumulative exposure and duration of smoke exposure.
Researchers found that reduced fire severity due to drought creates an environment conducive to invasive species, particularly non-native grasses. This transformation leads to a decline in native species abundance and diversity. The study advocates for strategies considering wildfire frequency and invasive species control post-fire.
A new portable sensor has been found to accurately measure black carbon concentrations as well as a regulatory standard sensor, filling a massive gap in air quality monitoring. The sensor's portability and affordability make it suitable for remote or inaccessible sites, allowing for more comprehensive data collection.
A large study found that wildfires lead to an increase in anxiety-related emergency department visits in the western United States, exacerbating a growing public health crisis. The research suggests preventative measures like closing windows and limiting outdoor activities can help mitigate the effects.
New research shows that native wildflowers, which typically thrive after wildfires, are losing out to invasive plants due to nitrogen pollution from vehicle emissions. Invasive species outcompete native ones, leading to declining plant diversity and ecosystem imbalance.
The 2019-2020 'Black Summer' bushfires in Australia resulted in a $2.8 billion loss to the tourism industry, with almost 7300 jobs disappearing nationwide. The study found that the impact of the fires was felt across the entire economy, with the Australian tourism industry being particularly vulnerable.
A recent study published in Allergy found that climate change has negative effects on atopic dermatitis, including increased inflammation from air pollution and stress from droughts. The researchers called for further research to address the impact of multiple climatic factors on eczema incidence and prevalence.
A new study has provided critical information for improving koala care during subsequent fire seasons. Koalas affected by the Australian bushfires were found to have severe footpad burns and lung damage due to smoke inhalation, hindering their tree-climbing abilities and escape from fires.
New research finds that PAHs in wildfire smoke can persist on indoor materials for weeks, posing health risks. Effective household cleaning techniques, such as laundering cotton and using glass cleaners, can significantly reduce exposure.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital observed a surge in atopic dermatitis and eczema cases during the summer of 2023, coinciding with peak carbon monoxide levels from wildfire air pollution. This correlation suggests that exposure to pollutants from wildfires may contribute to the development or worsening of skin conditions.
A recent study analyzing US wildfire events from 2014 to 2022 found that low-income and black populations receive less personnel and funding during wildfires. High-income neighborhoods, on the other hand, receive more attention and resources in disaster response and recovery efforts.