Protect nature and your health by preventing wildfires

As I write this on July 16, it feels like we’re deep in the dog days of summer. While we’ve seen fewer 100+ degree days compared to this time last year, the heat still lingers—and with it comes the season we dread most: wildfire season.

Why does Nature and Human Health Utah (NHH-UT) care about wildfires? Because our mission centers on two things—human health and nature—and wildfires threaten both. Wildfires not only scar our landscapes, threaten local ecosystems, and take away from the beauty and aesthetics of Utah’s landscape, it threatens our health. And this issue is only getting worse due to the changing climate our world is experiencing. Hotter temperatures, less rainfall, and windier conditions combine to make the perfect recipe for wildfires- all conditions that are common throughout the state of Utah.

While climate change does pose a major concern to an increase in wildfires, according to the National Park Service, 85% of wildfires are caused by human activity. That means that 85% of wildfires are preventable. The more we get outside, the more responsibility we have to take action to prevent wildfires, and we’re going to discuss what that looks like here.

Prevention is necessary not just for the health of our environment and protecting our favorite places to recreate, prevention is necessary for our health and wellbeing. The health impacts of wildfires go beyond what we see on the news. Have you ever woken up after a smoky day feeling groggy, congested, or with a headache? That’s not a coincidence. Wildfire smoke is loaded with particle pollution that irritates the lungs and can trigger asthma, colds, coughing, and other respiratory issues—especially in children.

The American Lung Association also notes that wildfire smoke contains carbon monoxide, which can cause headaches, dizziness, and nausea. So no, you're not imagining it—science confirms what many of us feel when the air turns smoky.

And it’s not just physical health that’s affected. Prolonged exposure to wildfire smoke is linked to increased emergency room visits (Reid et al., 2016), worse learning outcomes in children (Standford News, 2022), and even mental health impacts, particularly during prolonged wildfire smoke exposure (Eisenman et al., 2022).

But here’s the hopeful part: because most wildfires are human-caused, they are also within our control. If you love nature like we do and want to protect it—and your health—here are some simple, effective steps to prevent wildfires:

• Check weather and drought conditions. If there’s a red flag warning, skip fire-related activities like campfires, off-roading on dry grass, or burning debris.

• Build campfires responsibly. Choose open areas away from dry leaves, needles, and logs.

• Maintain your vehicle. Regularly check brake pads, tires, axles, and bearings.

• Fully extinguish your campfire:

  • Douse with water

  • Stir the ashes

  • Add more water

  • Stir again

  • If cool to the touch, you’re good. If still warm, repeat.

• Travel with fire safety gear: Keep a shovel, bucket, and fire extinguisher in your vehicle.

• Secure trailer chains so they don’t drag and spark.

• Avoid fireworks during dry, windy, or hot conditions—opt for safer alternatives.

If you’re a visual learner, Utah Fire Sense offers helpful videos on wildfire prevention that you can share with friends, family, and neighbors. Education is one of our best tools. Talk to your neighbors. Share resources on social media. Include wildfire prevention messaging into your own work if you lead programs or events. We can’t prevent every natural disaster—but when it comes to wildfire, we have an opportunity and an obligation to act proactively.

Inevitably, there might be days when wildfire smoke fills the air and we simply cannot get outside due to unhealthy conditions. When this happens, there are still ways you can connect with nature. For example, listening to nature sounds in your home can be effective in connecting to nature and experiencing the health benefits of the outdoors. Additionally, consider tending to an indoor plant, doing a nature-based arts and crafts activity, or snuggle up and read a nature-inspired book.

Let’s do our part. Cleaner air, safer communities, and healthier landscapes start with prevention.