Published on: 2026-08-01
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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July 31, 2026 Healthcare
Forest fires pose a danger not only to residents of areas near the ignition sites. Smoke can spread hundreds and even thousands of kilometers, crossing borders, worsening air quality, and creating health risks for people far beyond the fire zones. The World Health Organization (WHO) warns that under climate change conditions, the risk of large forest fires continues to increase.
The large-scale fires that swept across European countries and other parts of the world this summer have once again reminded us that the threat comes not only from the fire itself, but also from air pollution.
Health consequences
Smoke from wildfires is a complex mixture of gases and tiny solid particles produced by the burning of trees, vegetation, and buildings. If fires affect cities or industrial areas, the composition of the smoke can become even more hazardous.
Fine particulate matter PM2.5 poses a particular threat, as it can penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream. Their effects can include coughing, irritation of the eyes and throat, headache, wheezing, and shortness of breath.
For people suffering from asthma, chronic lung diseases, or cardiovascular conditions, exposure to smoke from even distant fires can lead to disease exacerbations, and in severe cases, hospitalization and the need for emergency medical care.
Who is at risk
The WHO notes that smoke exposure is especially dangerous for certain population groups. These are infants and young children whose lungs are still developing, elderly people, pregnant women, people with disabilities, as well as those living in premises that cannot be reliably protected from smoke infiltration, or individuals without access to housing.
Emergency service workers operating near fires, as well as people working outdoors, are also exposed to increased risks.
A firefighter from Greece, Konstantinos Tsigkas, emphasizes that the consequences of forest fires are not limited to immediate injuries.
“Smoke can cause respiratory diseases and aggravate existing conditions, such as asthma,” he said.
Greek photojournalist Dimitris Tosidis, covering the forest fires, noted that the situation could change drastically due to a shift in the wind.
“When you approach a fire, the most important thing is to understand that the wind can change. Then you get covered by smoke, and it becomes impossible to breathe,” he said.
How to protect yourself and your loved ones
The WHO recalls that most forest fires are caused by human fault – due to careless handling of fire, unattended cigarettes and grills, discarded glass (which can focus sunlight), or intentional arson. However, climate change and land use transformations create conditions under which fires spread faster and cover larger areas.
Rising temperatures, prolonged heat periods, droughts, changes in precipitation patterns, and vegetation drying increase the likelihood of fires.
“If there are forest fires in your area, even at some distance, follow the instructions of local authorities who have the very latest information,” advises Dorota Jarosinska, an employee of the WHO European Centre for Environment, Climate Change and Health.
She notes that the smell of smoke indicates its presence in the air, meaning its impact should be reduced, especially for people in risk groups. At the same time, the absence of smell does not guarantee the absence of harmful particles, and the direction of smoke spread can change sharply.
Experts’ recommendations
WHO recommends:
to follow official warnings and recommendations from local authorities;
if possible, stay indoors, keeping windows and doors closed unless an evacuation has been announced;
if it is necessary to go outside, use a well-fitting FFP2 or N95 respirator mask;
reduce the number of trips, and when using a car, keep the windows closed and turn on the air recirculation mode;
During simultaneous heat waves and smoke, use fans only to circulate air inside the room, and set the air conditioner to recirculation mode;
avoid additional sources of indoor air pollution, such as smoking, using wood-burning stoves and aerosols, or cooking over an open flame;
People with heart and lung diseases, as well as pregnant women, should closely monitor their condition and seek medical help promptly if symptoms appear.
Healthcare systems preparation
The WHO emphasizes that healthcare systems must be prepared for the consequences of forest fires. This includes promptly informing the public about risks, providing recommendations for health protection, ensuring the operation of hotlines, medical and social services, as well as creating public spaces with clean air and a place to shelter from the heat.
The WHO European Regional Office collaborates with countries to assess risks and prepare for emergencies. The organization has also developed a package of recommendations and practical tools for medical services aimed at helping protect the population from smoke exposure and extreme heat, as well as enhancing the resilience of healthcare systems to wildfires and heatwaves.
Please note; This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.