Standards for Official Statistics on Climate-Health Interactions (SOSCHI): Wildfires: introduction

Climate change is increasing the frequency, intensity, and duration of hot and dry conditions, which increases the risk of wildfires. These are defined as uncontrolled or unplanned fires that occur in vegetated areas. Wildfire hazards are predominantly fire and its associated smoke and air pollution. Wildfire exposure increases the risk of mortality and morbidity. Vulnerability to this exposure is controlled by demographic and socioeconomic factors, thus risk is not distributed evenly within populations. This topic area aims to quantify the health impacts attributable to wildfire smoke, using a case-crossover approach. This is the Topic Introduction document.