Wildfires

Last updated on February 13th, 2025 at 03:33 pm

Wildfires are fires that burn out of control in a natural area, like a forest, grassland, or prairie. They often begin unnoticed. They spread quickly, and can damage natural resources, destroy homes, and threaten the safety of the public and firefighters. Large, uncontained wildfire events have increased in recent years, threatening farmers and ranchers. Although there are no guarantees of safety if you live in an area threatened by a wildfire, you can take actions to protect yourself.

Respiratory Health

During wildfires, air quality becomes drastically worsened due to smoke from burning materials and chemicals. Particulate matter also known as PM2.5 associated with air pollution and wildfires can be deposited deep into the respiratory tract inhibiting lung and cardiovascular function. Visit www.AirNow.gov from the US Environmental Protection Agency to see air quality index measures by location. Learn more about respiratory health best practices from AgriSafe.

Livestock Safety

Livestock sensing wildfire danger can become irritated, aggressive, or panicky. Relocating livestock during stressful times should be carefully planned to limit injury. Deceased livestock can host and spread zoonotic diseases so follow guidelines to prevent the spread of communicable diseases.

Water Sources

Water quality can be affected due to materials and chemicals being burned. Flame retardants, pesticides, and organic material can make ground water not suitable for human or animal use.

Heat Related Illnesses

Disaster recovery is physically strenuous, especially in hot temperatures. Intense heat exposure can cause Heat Related Illnesses. Signs include excessive thirst, weakness, headache, loss of consciousness, nausea and vomiting, muscle cramps, and dizziness.

Mental Stress

After a natural disaster, you’re dealing with the extra stress of current conditions, along with the daily stress of farm and ranch operations. Natural disasters such as wildfires create a tremendous amount of additional stress and anxiety. You may develop major depression, generalized anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Learn more about mental health from AgriSafe.

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Wildfire Resources

Articles

• Wildfires: What Parents Need to Know
• Wildfire Associated Health Risks Impacting Farmers and Ranchers
• National Firefighter Registry (NFR) for Cancer

Resource Library

ID	Title	Summary	Link
12780	Amenazas para la salud en caso de incendios	Last updated on January 29th, 2026 at 05:12 pm A Spanish language guide on protecting yourself against wildfire health threats. Haga clic en “view” para acceder este recurso. English Title:…	View
9390	Breathe Easy: Protect Yourself from Wildland Fire Smoke	Last updated on July 7th, 2026 at 02:33 pm Learn steps to get informed about wildfires and protect yourself. Spanish Title: Protéjase del humo de incendios forestales Text equivalent of…	View
25842	Material necesario en caso de incendios para redes sociales	Spanish-language social media graphics for wildfire risks plus prevention and safety tips. Haga clic en “view” para acceder este recurso. English Title: Wildfire Social Media Resources Toolkit…	View
9533	Protect Your Lungs from Wildfire Smoke	Last updated on February 13th, 2023 at 02:35 pm An illustration on the proper respirator to wear to protect yourself from wildfire smoke….	View
9391	Protéjase del humo de incendios forestales	Last updated on July 7th, 2026 at 02:13 pm Learn steps to get informed about wildfires and protect yourself. Haga clic en “view” para acceder este recurso. English Title: Breathe…	View
9535	Wildfire Health Threats	Last updated on July 2nd, 2026 at 11:54 am A guide on protecting yourself against wildfire health threats. Spanish Title: Amenazas para la salud en caso de incendios Text equivalent…	View
9389	Wildfire Smoke Exposure and Population Health	Last updated on February 13th, 2023 at 02:34 pm July 22, 2014 presentation slides from Dr. Colleen Reid on how wildfire smoke impacts populations….	View
25840	Wildfire Social Media Resources Toolkit	Social media graphics for wildfire risks plus prevention and safety tips. Click “view” to download the resource. Spanish title: Material necesario en caso de incendios para redes sociales…	View

Webinars

Webinar Title	Summary	Link
Wildfire Health Threats: Risk Factors for Farmers and Ranchers (June 17, 2021)	Last updated on May 12th, 2026 at 12:39 pm Summary: Wildfires have become a persistent health threat for people working in agriculture. This webinar will focus on understanding the risks…	Watch

Websites

• AirNow
• Air Quality Index
• Particulate Matter (PM) Pollution
• Water Quality after a Wildfire

Page updated: July 2021