Appendix C: Fire
Children are more vulnerable during wildfires or urban conflagrations due to their smaller size, limited ability to evacuate quickly, and heightened sensitivity to smoke and heat. They may also be at greater risk of separation from caregivers during chaotic or rapid evacuations, which can lead to increased fear and disorientation.
Common Environmental Hazards
| Environmental Health Hazard | How a fire might affect children's health |
|---|---|
| Air: Indoor Air Quality | Fires release smoke and particulate matter into the air, which can infiltrate buildings and homes. Children, with their developing respiratory systems, are more susceptible to the harmful effects of poor indoor air quality, including respiratory distress and exacerbation of asthma or other lung conditions. |
| Air: Outdoor Air Quality | During and after a fire, outdoor air quality can be severely compromised due to smoke, soot, and particulate matter. Children are more vulnerable to respiratory issues, including coughing, wheezing, and long-term lung damage, from exposure to these airborne pollutants. |
| Chemical: Asbestos | Fires can disturb buildings that contain asbestos, especially older buildings, leading to the release of asbestos fibers into the air. Children are more at risk for long-term health issues like lung diseases from inhaling asbestos fibers during or after a fire. |
| Chemical: Combustion Byproducts | Fires generate harmful combustion byproducts such as carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and toxic gases like hydrogen cyanide. These chemicals pose a significant threat to children, whose smaller body size and developing organs make them more sensitive to toxic exposures. |
| Chemical: Industrial Chemicals | Fires in industrial areas or those involving chemicals stored in warehouses or factories can release hazardous industrial chemicals like solvents, pesticides, and fuels into the air and water. Children living in affected areas are at heightened risk of toxic exposure, which can lead to respiratory, neurological, or developmental issues. |
| Chemical: Lead & Heavy Metals | Urban conflagrations can lead to the burning of various materials, including electronics, vehicles, and industrial waste, which may release heavy metals like lead, mercury, and cadmium into the environment. Children are particularly vulnerable to these metals, which can cause neurological damage and developmental delays. |
| Chemical: Pesticides & Herbicides | Fires may burn agricultural or commercial buildings containing pesticides or herbicides, leading to the release of toxic chemicals into the environment. Children are at greater risk of poisoning or health issues from exposure to these chemicals, especially if they come into contact with contaminated soil or water. |
| Debris & Physical Hazards | After a fire, there is often a large amount of debris, including burned materials, glass, and other hazardous items. Children are particularly at risk of injury from sharp objects, fallen structures, or contaminated debris, which can also carry harmful chemicals or biological agents. |
| Extreme Cold | In the aftermath of an urban conflagration, power outages, infrastructure damage, or the destruction of homes can leave children vulnerable to extreme cold, particularly in colder climates. Without access to heat, children are at risk of hypothermia, frostbite, or other cold-related illnesses. |
| Extreme Heat | In warmer climates or after power outages in the summer, the absence of cooling systems could lead to heat-related illnesses. Children are more vulnerable to heat-related illnesses like dehydration, heat exhaustion, or heatstroke, particularly if they are without cooling systems. |
| Pest Management | After fires, displaced rodents and insects may seek shelter in homes, leading to an increase in pest-related health issues. Children are more at risk of diseases transmitted by pests, such as rodents carrying hantavirus or insects carrying disease-causing bacteria. |
| Water: Damage & Mold | Fires that involve water sources or the destruction of buildings can lead to water damage and mold growth. Mold exposure can trigger respiratory issues, allergies, and asthma in children, whose immune systems are still developing. |
| Water: Drinking Water Safety | Fires may damage water infrastructure, either directly or due to smoke and ash contamination. If water sources become contaminated with toxic chemicals, ash, or bacteria, children are more susceptible to gastrointestinal illnesses and other health complications from consuming unsafe water. |
| Water: Sewage & Wastewater Contaminants | Fire damage to sewage or wastewater systems can lead to contamination of water sources or improper waste disposal. Children are more likely to come into contact with harmful sewage contaminants, which increases their risk of waterborne diseases or infections. |
Educational Resources
Lessons Learned: Fire/Wildfire | ASPR TRACIE: This Topic Collection the most robust and most useful peer-reviewed and other public and privately developed materials (e.g., fact sheets, technical briefs, articles, toolkits, webinars, and plans) helpful to stakeholders in improving healthcare system preparedness and resilience.
Wildfires | Ready.gov: Preparing for and staying safe during a wildfire.
Wildfires | EPA: Environmental considerations to prepare for and recover after a wildfire.
EPA maintains several webpages on wildfires and IAQ that addresses guidance for reducing wildfire smoke in homes, schools, and commercial buildings.
Wildfire Smoke and Children | Wildfires | CDC: Children with asthma, allergies, or other health conditions could have trouble breathing when smoke is present. This guide gives advice on how to prepare for wildfire season if you have children that fit those descriptions.
Wildfire Safety | American Red Cross: Learn how to keep your family and home safe during a wildfire.