OEHS experts offer key considerations related to existing PPE, new respirators and exposure times on the front lines
The forest fires of days past are not the same as current wildland fires, not from a ferocity nor an exposure perspective. Wildfires are getting bigger and fire seasons are lasting longer. Further, the approximately 250 wildfires each year in the Western region of U.S. are not just burning trees; they are incinerating homes, small communities, vehicles and much more.
The wildland crews are fighting untamed, unpredictable wildfires that can quickly change direction and even create their own weather systems. As the fires consume everything in their paths, fire crews are exposed to resultant toxic and dangerous chemicals. Read More…