Wildfires have become a growing concern in both the United States and Canada, posing significant threats to lives, properties, and air quality. As the frequency and intensity of wildfires increase, understanding the regions most at risk and the impact of these fires on air quality is crucial.

Let’s understand below the wildfire prone areas in North America

Wildfire-Prone Areas in the United States

  1. California

   Regions Affected: Northern California (e.g., Sonoma, Napa), Central Valley, and Southern California (e.g., Los Angeles, San Diego).

   Factors: Prolonged droughts, high winds, burning fossil fuels and dry vegetation contribute to the state's vulnerability.

  1. Oregon and Washington

   Regions Affected: Western slopes of the Cascade Range, Eastern Oregon, and Central Washington.

   Factors: Dry summers, lightning strikes, and human activities.

  1. Colorado

   Regions Affected: Front Range, Rocky Mountain regions, and the Western Slope.

   Factors: Forested areas, dry conditions, and mountain pine beetle infestations.

  1. Arizona and New Mexico

   Regions Affected: Central Arizona, Northern Arizona, and Northern New Mexico.

   Factors: Arid climate, monsoon thunderstorms, and dense forests.

  1. Texas

   Regions Affected: West Texas, Panhandle, and Central Texas.

   Factors: Drought, high temperatures, and grasslands.

Wildfire-Prone Areas in Canada

  1. British Columbia

   Regions Affected: Interior regions, including Kamloops, Kelowna, and Prince George.

   Factors: Dry summer weather, lightning, and dense forests.

  1. Alberta

   Regions Affected: Northern Alberta, including Fort McMurray and surrounding areas.

   Factors: Boreal forests, dry conditions, and human activities.

  1. Ontario

   Regions Affected Northern Ontario, including areas around Thunder Bay.

   Factors: Boreal forests, dry summers, and human-induced fires.

  1. Quebec

   - Regions Affected: Northern and central Quebec.

   - Factors: Boreal forests, dry conditions, and lightning.

The Impact of Wildfires on Air Quality

Wildfires release a complex mixture of gases and fine particles into the air, significantly degrading air quality. The primary pollutants include:

Particulate Matter (PM2.5): Tiny particles that can penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream, causing respiratory and cardiovascular issues.

Carbon Monoxide (CO): A colorless, odorless gas that can cause headaches, dizziness, and even death in high concentrations.

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): Organic chemicals that can cause eye, nose, and throat irritation, and long-term exposure may lead to more serious health problems.

Protecting Indoor Air Quality During Wildfires

  1.  Keep Windows and Doors Closed: Prevent outdoor air from entering your home as much as possible.
  2. Use Air Purifiers: Invest in high-quality air purifiers with HEPA filters to capture fine particles and improve indoor air quality. Many studies have shown that high performance particle filters are effective at reducing indoor concentrations of fine particulate matter during smoke events. At Airpura, we have specialized solutions to combat wildfire smoke.
  3. Seal Leaks: Ensure your home is well-sealed to minimize the infiltration of smoke.
  4. Limit Indoor Pollutants: Avoid activities that can further degrade indoor air quality, such as smoking or burning candles.
  5. Stay Informed: Monitor local air quality reports and follow advice from health and environmental authorities.

Reference links:

https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/healthybuildings/2023/08/15/protecting-your-health-from-wildfire-smoke-spotlight-on-filters/

https://www.lung.org/blog/how-wildfires-affect-health

https://www.govtech.com/em/preparedness/which-california-counties-are-most-at-risk-for-wildfires

https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/wildfire-status

https://www.policygenius.com/homeowners-insurance/wildfires-by-state/