wildfire smoke

New research suggests wildfires appear to be upending years of steady progress in reducing ozone pollution in the United States. It’s a trend reversal with significant health implications.

Leadville, Colo, saw a drop in tourism in July because of the nearby Willow Fire. But August could still bring a score of visitors.

For the first time, the United States Forest Service authorized the use of N95 respirators for federal wildland firefighters.

As local air quality readings remain in the unhealthy to hazardous range, what are the impacts of wildfire smoke on people's health?

Communities in Colorado and Utah are reporting drops in tourism as fires burn nearby and smoke floats in.

High temperatures gripping large portions of the west are exacerbating poor air quality.

Firefighters will now be able to use N95 masks on the fireline – building on a more limited, voluntary rollout of masking that started last fall. There will also be expanded access to showers, time for routine gear cleaning and so-called “clean air recovery periods” that can limit other risks.

Wildfire smoke is associated with a growing list of health impacts. New research now ties it to reproductive harm in bulls – a finding with implications for humans.

Longer wildfire seasons can blanket communities in smoke. Summer heat records continue to rise. Drought remains a persistent concern for water supplies, agriculture and ecosystems.

Growth has been strong over the last year despite a great deal of uncertainty last spring over the future of the ambitious effort.