Utah’s summer air, wildfires, and what you can do  

As temperatures rise and wildfires burn, Utah’s air quality is taking a severe hit, impacting the health of residents across the state. Hot weather is a major driver of poor air quality, exacerbating wildfires in Utah, as well as creating ozone pollution.  

Climate change is driving hotter temperatures, which in turn are worsening wildfires and creating more ozone pollution. As the planet warms, prolonged heatwaves and drought conditions become more common, providing the perfect environment for wildfires to ignite and spread. These fires release significant amounts of particulate matter and other pollutants into the air, further degrading air quality and posing severe health risks. To combat these impacts and protect our health and environment, we must get serious about reducing our dependence on fossil fuels.

Aside from the increased ozone pollution from our ongoing heat wave, Utahns are also being exposed to one of the worst fires in the country right now, out of Fishlake National Forest. The Silver King fire started on July 5th, is occupying nearly 15,000 acres and is 0% contained. 

Dr. Brian Moench emphasizes the severe health impacts of wildfire smoke and ozone pollution. in a previous presentation on health and forest management. He highlighted that exposure to these pollutants can lead to significant respiratory and cardiovascular issues, particularly for vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing health conditions. “Wildfire smoke contains particulate matter that penetrates deep into the lungs and bloodstream, exacerbating conditions like asthma and heart disease,” Dr. Moench stated. 

In the presentation, Dr. Brian Moench and Dr. Chad Hanson, John Muir Project, dissects current fire mitigation tactics used by the Forest Service, and dive into research that shows why they might not be the most beneficial tactics.