Examining language disparities among Spanish and English speakers in wildfire smoke events across the western United States

Background Wildfire smoke is a growing public health threat, and Spanish-speaking communities can face language barriers to lifesaving information. Aims We quantify differences in wildfire smoke readiness between English- and Spanish-speaking residents of the western United States, where smoke events are frequent and severe. Methods We surveyed 1030 adults across 11 wildfire-prone states and analyzed 989 responses. Five items measured wildfire smoke readiness, covering trusted information, hazard recognition, health impacts, protective actions and behavioral intention. Multi-group confirmatory factor analysis tested measurement equivalence across languages, and weighted regression adjusted for demographics and prior smoke exposure. Key results The five items formed a single dimension that was equivalent across languages. Spanish speakers scored 0.31 s.d. lower in latent readiness and 0.175 points lower on a 1–5 composite scale. Subjective smoke experience was the strongest predictor of readiness, yet Spanish speakers were less likely to recognize smoke events despite comparable objective exposure. Conclusions Exposure alone does not produce readiness. Language-based inequities in how smoke risk is recognized and communicated widen the gap between groups facing similar hazards. Implications Wildfire smoke readiness will remain inequitable unless warnings, campaigns and resources are fully multilingual and culturally responsive.