Health Indicator Report of Climate Change: Extreme Weather Events

Wildfire frequency is dependent on a delicate balance between precipitation, heat, abundance of fuel (i.e., grass) and natural or human-caused ignition. No one aspect specifically causes a wildfire, but the relationship between these different factors can determine a high- or low-frequency wildfire season. A heavy snowpack in the winter with a wet spring and a slow transition from cool to warm weather could result in a low wildfire season. Consequently, a dry winter, rapid heating in the spring, and an abundance of dry grass could lead to a high-frequency fire season [1]. Although research is limited, it is suspected that climate change could interfere with this multi-factorial balance and potentially alter wildfire frequency. Climate change affects seasonal precipitation and temperature, so it is possible that less precipitation and higher temperatures due to changes in the climate could increase the frequency of wildfires. Wildfires can adversely affect human health, primarily through exposure to smoke. Wildfire smoke negatively affects everyone, but individuals with pre-existing conditions may have worse symptoms. Common symptoms from smoke inhalation include shortness of breath, chest pain, headaches, coughing, irritated sinuses, and stinging eyes. Vulnerable populations would include those with asthma, heart or lung disease, and other pre-existing respiratory conditions. Individuals with respiratory problems may experience trouble breathing, wheezing, cough, and chest discomfort. Those with heart disease may experience fatigue, rapid heartbeat, chest pain, and shortness of breath. If the wildfire is severe enough or if there is a high frequency of fires producing an abundance of smoke, even healthy individuals may experience these symptoms [2].

Notes

The National Park Service states that "Fires customarily are classified as either natural or human-caused. A wildfire is usually started by lightning, lava, or people. Some wildfires ignited naturally may be managed for multiple objectives, which mean they can be monitored, or if management feels it is necessary, contained and extinguished." [3]

Data Source

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Climatic Data Center

Definition

Extreme weather events, for the purpose of this Indicator Report, are classified as severe, unusual, or unseasonal weather events. This Indicator Report contains the following variables: 1. Cost due to flood damage 2. Deaths and injuries from floods 3. Number of flood events by type 4. Acreage burned due to wildfires 5. Total number of wildfires

Numerator

This Indicator Report contains the following variables: 1. Cost due to flood damage (property vs. crop damage) 2. Number of Deaths and injuries from floods 3. Number of flood events by type 4. Total acreage burned due to wildfires 5. Total number of wildfires

Denominator

Not Applicable.

What Is Being Done?

The Utah Department of Health (UDOH) Bureau of Emergency Medical Services and Preparedness is in operation to coordinate local, state, and federal agencies in assisting health care systems with emergency preparedness and how to respond when a disaster strikes. If a flood or any other type of disaster were to occur, UDOH has implemented a 24-hour statewide support line to assist public health professionals and health care providers in supplying aid to the community. At the federal level, the CDC has a web page dedicated to educating the public on how to prepare for a flood and what should be done after a flood. Topics include water safety, sanitation and hygiene, mold, and precautions to take post-flooding. Flood information from the CDC can be accessed at www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/floods. Since a variety of agencies handle wildfire response in Utah, public health's role is primarily educational. The CDC has a web page dedicated to how to protect yourself during a fire and what to do after a fire has occurred. How to limit smoke exposure, protecting your home, and treatment for burn victims are some of the topics discussed. Access to wildfire education can be obtained at www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/wildfires.