Wildland Firefighters: A Crucial Weapon for Forest Fire Management. Which Health Risks Do They Face?

Abstract

Fire when uncontrolled can become a destructive force that risks wildlife, property, and human lives. Global warming has contributed to the increase and severity of wildfires in the last decades, requiring greater political and local authority involvement to protect people. Wildland firefighters are an essential tool for the management of any forest fire. However, they face unique occupational risks characterized by physically demanding tasks, long hours in severe conditions, and exposure to various health risks (e.g., burning, fractures, smoke inhalation), including exposure to carcinogenic pollutants emitted from smoke. These pollutants, including particulate matter, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and volatile organic compounds, can cause acute adverse health effects but also long-term effects, such as cancer. Yet, evidence linking wildland firefighters’ occupational exposure and health outcomes is limited. The increasing risk of wildfire occurrences and longer fire seasons highlight the need for occupational studies among these professionals commonly exposed to hazardous pollutants. Scientific evidence has contributed to the establishment of measures related to firefighters’ health promotion. Regular monitoring, surveillance and health promotion activities, innovative firefighting techniques, safer personal protective equipment, and the implementation of written policies and procedures, such as decontaminating fire station equipment and spaces, are crucial to reduce firefighters’ adverse health effects.