What is At Risk from Wildfires?

Wildfires are more than the terrifying blazes you see on your screens—they are an invisible threat causing damage far beyond flaming forests. For those of us inhabiting this planet, our understanding and actions towards the hazards and dangers of wildfires could very well be a game-changer. And if you live in fire-prone areas, that risk has only gotten worse.

Understanding the Mechanics and Threats of Wildfires

Often termed as forest or vegetation fires, wildfires are essentially an uncontrollable inferno, rapidly consuming wilderness areas. These fiery phenomena can strike anytime, anywhere, but are typically more prevalent in drier climates. Even if you don’t live close to forest land, like I do, wildfires can pose a risk. In this article I’ll share some of the ways wildfires affect everyone on this planet.

Environmental Aftermath of Wildfires

Wildfires wreak havoc on natural environments. According to the U.S. National Interagency Fire Center, wildfires in a single year can consume millions of acres of forests and landscapes, stripping the terrain bare, and disrupting entire ecosystems. In 2023, 56 thousand fires consumed only 2.6 million acres. I say “only” because in 2022 and 2021 over 7 million acres burned each year. And in 2020 over 10 million acres burned.¹ This damage has a domino effect, leading to decreased biodiversity, and potentially, the extinction of susceptible species.

Alternatively, the soil, often an overlooked casualty, suffers extensively from wildfires. High-intensity fires strip away vegetation and nutrient-rich organic matter, leaving the bare, vulnerable soil prone to erosion. This aftermath paves the way for landslides and floods, compounding the existing damage. Many people believe that fires leave ashes behind which help the soil, but if all the organic matter is burned, it can’t be easily used by plants or animals.

Lastly, wildfires fill the air with smoke and harmful chemicals. While it may seem counterintuitive, the nutrients returned to the earth through wildfire ashes barely scratch the surface compared to the pulmonary health hazards it causes.

Economic Trade-offs of Wildfires

The economic implications of wildfires are far-reaching, starting with physical destruction—homes, commercial properties, farms, and public infrastructures. Yet, the indirect costs often eclipse these initial loses. Post-fire management, including land rehabilitation and utility restoration, can be extremely expensive. Forbes reports that wildfires “are predicted to damage upwards of $22 billion worth of property by 2049.”² And when you consider that many insurance companies consider wildfires “acts of god,” this can result in destitution and homelessness for many people.

But it’s more than just where people live. Consider areas where the economy thrives on tourism. Wildfires can scare off potential visitors, leading to significant revenue loss. After Maui burned in 2023, many tourists were directed to other islands or off Hawaii completely. Similarly, agricultural damage can disrupt food production, posing hurdles for food security and ³he financial-sector alike. And the fear of wildfires is affecting the real estate market, as people don’t want to buy property that might burn.⁴

In response, various mitigation tactics are being adopted globally, ranging from stricter zoning laws to investing in fire-resistant structures, offering a glimmer of hope in economic resilience. But for those of us who live and work in fire-prone areas, it can be difficult.

Health Hazards and Dangers of Wildfires

Wildfires pose a substantial health hazard to individuals in and around the affected regions. Most obvious are the physical impacts. The inhalation of wildfire smoke, laden with particulates and toxic gases such as carbon monoxide and cyanide, can lead to a host of health problems from eye and respiratory tract irritation, to severe conditions like bronchitis, asthma, and other pulmonary diseases.

Mental Health Implications

The mental health implications of wildfire experiences are just as significant. Traumas from losing family possessions or displacement can result in anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). To mitigate this, organizations like the Red Cross and government bodies offer crisis counseling and mental health support to victims.

Societal Trauma Following Wildfires

Wildfires can single-handedly upheave communities, disrupting societal structures, and causing widespread unrest. From interrupted education for children to resettlement struggles for families, wildfire disasters carve deep societal scars that take months or years to recover from.

Wildfires pose a direct threat to human life, claiming several lives each year - either due to burns or smoke inhalation. And the families and friends of missing loved ones suffer trauma as they wait and hope for word.

To combat this, multiple resources and support structures are in place, providing immediate relief and long-term resettlement assistance to affected individuals and communities.

Closing Thoughts

Comprehending the hazards and dangers of wildfires is imperative to our survival. Wildfires affect us in many ways, whether we live in range of fire or not. Understanding the stakes involved—environmental, economic, health, and societal—and engaging in responsible behaviors are our best tools to combat the danger.

I hope you use this knowledge to make safer choices, contribute to prevention efforts, and ensure a healthier, safer future for us all. After all, these wildfires affect more than just trees—they threaten our lives, societies, and the planet we call home.

In the wise words of an age-old adage, “knowledge is power”. By grasping the complexities of wildfire threats, we can become better prepared and harness this power for the benefit of ourselves, and our planet. You can learn more about what wildfires are and how they start on this website.

Remember, every action counts. Whether it’s staying alerted to wildfire news, maintaining responsible camping behaviors, or vocal advocacy for stricter forestry laws, your efforts make a difference in preventing the hazards and dangers of wildfires.

Klifal, Dear reader and Tsitwash for Reading!

Note: Klifal and Tsitwash are words in Dryadic. Klifal means "Hello" and Tsitwash means "Thanks."

I hope you enjoyed this article! If you liked my unique perspective, you'll love reading my full story in the novel Digital Dryad by Jennifer Kyrnin. Digital Dryad is coming out June 12, 2024, in print and ebook formats.

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