Wildfires and the resulting smoke exposure present significant risks to public entities, potentially impacting community health and safety, infrastructure, and the environment. Smoke from wildfires contains harmful pollutants that can severely affect respiratory health, particularly for vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions.

Wildfires can also disrupt essential services, including utilities, transportation, and emergency response systems, complicating recovery efforts and straining municipal resources.

Mitigation strategies

Public entities may consider the following risk mitigation strategies:

• Emergency response coordination: Establishing a collaborative framework among local agencies to support a swift and effective response to wildfire incidents and smoke exposure.
• Evacuation planning: Developing clear evacuation routes and procedures to maintain the safety of residents in the event of a wildfire, minimizing confusion and risk during emergencies.
• Air filtration: Implementing air filtration systems in public buildings and shelters to protect vulnerable populations from harmful smoke exposure during wildfire events.
• Real-time air quality monitoring: Utilizing technology to monitor air quality and provide timely updates to the community about hazardous conditions caused by wildfire smoke.
• Public alert systems: Establishing robust communication channels to disseminate alerts and information regarding wildfires and air quality, helping residents stay informed and prepared.