More Resources

• Help!
• Contact OEHHA Staff

OEHHA Emergency Response

The fires burning throughout the State of California may raise questions about the possible dangers from contact with smoke or fire ash.

Certain individuals may be sensitive to the health effects of breathing smoke from forest or rangeland fires. Fire ash is relatively nontoxic and similar to ash in your fireplace. However, any ash may contain small amounts of toxic chemicals, and may irritate the skin or respiratory system. Reports on the potential health effects of smoke and the safe cleanup of fire ash are available at the following site: http://www.oehha.ca.gov/public_info/emergency/reports.html

Wildfire Smoke: A Guide for Public Health Officials - Updated July 2008

Follow this link for more information about fires throughout California from the Office of Energency Services

Follow this link for real-time air quality data from CAPCOA

Follow this link for up to date emergency information from Cal/EPA

Follow this link for Federal recovery information-How to Get Help

Follow this link to find friends and family, and general information

Follow this link for Local California Resources, including fire maps

 

PREVIOUS HOT TOPIC REPORTS

• Sacramento Trestle Fire
• 2007 Fire Season
• Sawtooth Fires 2006
• Environmental Outcomes of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita
  [October 2005]
• West Nile Virus
  [September 2005]