The west and other parts of the US have experienced significant forest fires in recent years.

These fires have been devastating to infrastructure, yet there is limited knowledge of the human health impacts of smoke emissions — both short term and long term. EPA is using its expertise in air quality research to fill the gaps in scientific information and to develop tools to prevent and reduce the impact of smoke from wildfires and controlled or prescribed burns. Research activities include:

• Study health effects of smoke and evaluate potential solutions to reduce impacts
• Improve methods to measure smoke emissions, and improve models that predict smoke exposure
• Investigate effects of erosion from burned areas on water quality
• Identify and help protect susceptible human populations and ecosystems
• Evaluate communication strategies to find effective ways to reduce risks

Research Areas

•  Health Effects
• Tools and Technology Development
• Water Supply and Ecosystem Protection

Research Highlights and Activities

• Cleaner Indoor Air During Wildfires Challenge offers prize for winning submission
• Technical Approaches for the Sensor Data on the AirNow Fire and Smoke Map
• Wildfire Study to Advance Science Partnerships for Indoor Reductions of Smoke Exposures (ASPIRE)
• Wildland Fire Research Results
• FIREX-AQ Study
• Community Health Vulnerability Index

Publications and Other Science Resources

• Wildland Fire Research Framework 2019-2022
• Science Inventory Publications on Wildland Fire Research
• Science Matters Special Edition: Wildland Fire Science
• Articles in Science Matters Newsletter
• Key Links to Other Science Agencies and Organizations
• Web Summit Presentations: Clean Air Spaces – Indoor Air Filtration to Protect Public Health During Wildland Fire Smoke Episodes 

Smoke Sense Study and App

• Smoke Sense Study and App
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Resources for Health Organizations
• Science Matters newsletter article