By Olivia Lewis
Nearly 20% of healthcare systems in California sit in areas prone to wildfires, as highlighted by recent research. Experts have been studying how these fires affect public health, particularly for those with medical needs.
Wildfires used to be mainly a late summer and early fall issue. Now, they’re happening all year round. This year-round threat has put more people in healthcare settings at risk. A recent paper titled "Proximity of Wildfires to Inpatient Healthcare Facilities in California, 2001-2023" details this growing problem. The authors include Andrew Schroeder from Direct Relief and a team of researchers who analyzed data from California’s Department of Health Care Access and Information and CAL-FIRE.
Their findings were alarming. They discovered that inpatient healthcare facilities are getting closer to wildfire zones each year, decreasing in distance by an average of 628 feet annually. Long-term care facilities, especially nursing homes, are among the most at risk.
“Healthcare facilities often don’t receive guidance on how close they should be to fire-prone areas,” Schroeder pointed out. The requirements for major hospitals are strict, but smaller facilities often have less stringent rules, leaving them vulnerable.
Schroeder also noted that the consequences of wildfires extend beyond the immediate danger. Power outages caused by fires can be especially harmful to individuals who depend on electricity for medical devices. A recent study showed that those reliant on machines for oxygen or those needing refrigeration for medications face heightened risks during power outages.
In a related study, researchers looked at how residents in Mariposa County, California, communicate during wildfires. Many turn to friends and family for information instead of official health advisories. They often need direct outreach from health officials, such as phone calls, to take action, especially in emergencies.
Schroeder mentioned, “People with mobility limitations or other health issues may be less likely to evacuate, making them even more vulnerable.” This reluctance can be dangerous in life-threatening situations.
As wildfires become more of a year-round concern, the importance of understanding their health implications grows. The data could drive future policies aimed at safeguarding medically vulnerable populations.
In summary, the threat of wildfires in California is evolving, directly impacting healthcare facilities and patients’ safety. As this issue continues to develop, it highlights the urgent need for stronger guidelines and support systems for those at risk.
For more on the impact of wildfires and public health, check out Direct Relief.
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