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Fighting Wildfires – Publications and Resources
Wildland Firefighter conducts back burn of dry grass to deny additional fuel sources in the event of a wildfire. Image provided by US Forest Service Technology and Development Program.
The following is a list of NIOSH-published and NIOSH-authored publications on wildland fire fighting safety. You will also find relevant documents from external organizations. Most documents are available for download in PDF format. Additionally, you can search for NIOSH wildland fire fighting safety publications in the NIOSHTIC-2 database.
The Wildland Firefighter Exposure and Health Effect (WFFEHE) Study: Rationale, Design, and Methods of a Repeated-Measure Study
The wildland firefighter exposure and health effect (WFFEHE) study was a 2-year repeated-measures study to investigate occupational exposures and acute and subacute health effects among wildland firefighters.
Arterial stiffness, oxidative stress, and smoke exposure in wildland firefighters.
An assessment of the association between exposure, oxidative stress symptoms, and cardiorespiratory function in wildland firefighters. Biomarkers of oxidative stress may serve as indicators of arterial stiffness in wildland firefighters.
Exposures and cross-shift lung function declines in wildland firefighters.
An Interagency Hotshot Crew was studied during a large wildfire to characterize wildland firefighting occupational exposures and assess their associations with cross shift changes in lung function.
Acute upper and lower respiratory effects in wildland firefighters.
This study examined acute respiratory effects experienced by wildland firefighters by assessing respiratory symptoms through questionnaires, lung function by spirometry, and measuring markers of inflammation in sputum and nasal lavage fluid.
Where occupation and environment overlap: US Forest Service worker exposure to Libby Amphibole fibers.
NIOSH evaluated exposures to asbestiform amphibole, known as Libby Amphibole (LA), to personnel from the US Department of Agriculture-Forest Service (USFS) working in the Kootenai National Forest near a former vermiculite mine close to Libby, Montana. This article describes the application of EPA methods for assessing cancer risks to NIOSH sampling results.
Wildland Firefighter Deaths in the United States: A Comparison of Existing Surveillance Systems.
Multiple agencies publish fatality summaries for wildland firefighters; however, the reported number and types vary. Data within five surveillance systems were examined to better understand the types of wildland firefighter data collected, to assess each system’s utility in characterizing wildland firefighter fatalities, and to determine each system’s potential to inform prevention strategies.
Aviation-Related Wildland Firefighter Fatalities — United States, 2000–2013.
During 2000–2013, 78 wildland firefighters were fatally injured while participating in wildland fire duties involving aircraft. Although the number of wildland firefighter deaths due to aviation-related incidents have decreased in recent years, the study showed working with and around aircraft is still one of the highest risk activities for firefighters.
Preventing Death and Injuries of Firefighters Operating Modified Excess/Surplus Vehicles.
NIOSH Publication No. 2011-125 (December 2010)
Firefighters may be at risk for crash-related injuries while operating excess and other surplus vehicles that have been modified for fire service use. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has summarized recommendations to prevent injuries and deaths while operating these vehicles.
En Español
Preventing Firefighter Fatalities Due to Heart Attacks and Other Sudden Cardiovascular Events.
NIOSH Publication No. 2007-133 (June 2007)
NIOSH recommends that fire departments and firefighters follow established medical screening guidelines, adopt risk reduction measures during fire fighting operations, and develop and participate in comprehensive wellness/fitness programs.
En Español
Hazard ID: Firefighters Exposed to Electrical Hazards During Wildland Fire Operations.
NIOSH Publication No. 2002-112 (January 2002)
NIOSH investigated two separate incidents in 1999 in which firefighters died or were seriously injured from exposures to electricity while fighting wildland fires.
En Español
Hazard ID: Traffic Hazards to Firefighters While Working Along Roadways.
NIOSH Publication No. 2001-143 (June 2001)
The number of firefighters struck and killed by motor vehicles has dramatically increased within recent years. This document details case studies and provides recommendations for prevention.
En Español
- One Fire Fighter Dies and One Fire Fighter Burned during Firefighting Operations at a Grass Fire – Texas, 2018
- 56-Year-Old Fire Fighter Suffers Cardiac Arrest at Brush Fire – New Hampshire, 2016
- Fire Fighter Suffers a Heart Attack at Brush Fire and Dies 8 Days Later – Vermont, 2016
- Wildland fire superintendent dies from heart attack after performing physical fitness training – Idaho, 2015
- Wildland fire fighter dies from hyperthermia during pack test – Arizona, 2015
- Fire crew supervisor suffers sudden cardiac death during pack test – Wyoming, 2014
- Lieutenant suffers sudden cardiac death during the “Pack Test” – Arizona, 2014
- Fire fighter suffers sudden cardiac death while working at a grass fire – Mississippi, 2014
- Volunteer Fire Fighter Dies in Tanker Crash En Route to Grass Fire – Indiana, 2014
- Volunteer fire chief suffers cardiac arrest at brush fire – North Carolina, 2013
- Forest Fire Service Fire Fighter Monitoring Prescribed Burn from Roadway is Struck and Killed When Smoke Obscures Visibility Following a Wind Shift – New Jersey, 2013
- Wildland Fire Fighter Suffers Sudden Cardiac Death During Campfire Patrol – New Mexico, 2013
- Wildland fire fighter trainee suffers sudden cardiac death during physical fitness exercise – California, 2012
- Wildland fire fighter dies from hyperthermia and exertional heatstroke while conducting mop-up operations – Texas, 2011
- Volunteer fire fighter dies and three fire fighters are injured during wildland fire – Texas, 2011
- Volunteer fire fighter dies and 5 volunteer fire fighters are injured during wildland urban interface fire – Texas, 2011
- Health Hazard Evaluation Report No. 2018-0094-3355, Evaluation of Fire Debris Cleanup Employees’ Exposure to Silica, Asbestos, Metals, and Polyaromatic Hydrocarbons.
- Health Hazard Evaluation Report No. 2017-0076-3352, Evaluation of Wildland Firefighters’ Exposures to Asbestos During Prescribed Burns Near a Former Vermiculite Mine.
- Health Hazard Evaluation Report No. 2015-0028-3330, Evaluation of Wildland Firefighter Exposures during Fuel Reduction Projects.
- Health Hazard Evaluation Report, HETA 2013-0061-3244, Evaluation of Eronite and Silica Exposure during Forest Management and Fire Suppression Activities in the Custer National Forest.
- Health Hazard Evaluation Report, HETA 2012-0077-3223, Evaluation of Employee Exposures to Libby Amphibole Asbestos during Forest Management Activities in the Kootenai National Forest – Montana
- Health Hazard Evaluation Report, HETA 2011-0035, Extent of Rhabdomyolysis Among Wildland Firefighters – Idaho. (NIOSH Closeout Letter)
- Health Hazard Evaluation Report, HETA 2008-0245-3127, Determining Base Camp Personnel Exposures to Carbon Monoxide during Wildland Fire Suppression Activities – California
- Health Hazard Evaluation Report, HETA 99-0173-2856, Evaluating Chainsaw Emissions among Forestry Workers – Washington.
- Health Hazard Evaluation Report, HETA 98-0173-2782, Assessing Wildland Firefighters’ Exposure to Carbon Monoxide – Colorado
- Health Hazard Evaluation Report, HETA 92-045-2260, Characterizing Firefighters’ Exposures to Chemical Contaminants during Fire Suppression Operations – West Virginia
What Wildland Firefighters Need to Know about Rhabdomyolysis
NIOSH Publication No. 2018-131 (May 2018)
Rhabdomyolysis (often called rhabdo) is the breakdown of damaged muscle tissue that releases proteins and electrolytes into the blood. Early treatment can prevent serious medical problems.
Rhabdomyolysis in Wildland Firefighters: A Patient Population at Risk
NIOSH Publication No. 2018-132 (May 2018)
Wildland firefighting involves exposure to heat and prolonged, intense exertion. These factors increase the risk of rhabdomyolysis. Healthcare providers can prevent debilitating consequences.
Preventing Heat-related Illness or Death of Outdoor Workers
NIOSH Publication No. 2013-143 (May 2013)
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recommends that employers have a plan in place to prevent heat-related illness. The plan should include hydration (drinking plenty of water), acclimatization (getting used to weather conditions), and schedules that alternate work with rest. Employers should also train workers about the hazards of working in hot environments.
Rhabdomyolysis: What Wildland Fire Fighters Need To Know
Wildland firefighters are at increased risk for rhabdomyolysis. This document defines rhabdomyolysis, identifies the sign and symptoms, and what to do if a firefighter has symptoms.
Noise Exposure Among Federal Wildland Fire Fighters
Wildland firefighters use many tools and equipment that produce noise levels that may be considered hazardous to hearing. This study evaluated 174 personal dosimetry measurements on 156 wildland firefighters conducting various training and fire suppression tasks. Noise exposures often exceeded occupational exposure limits and suggest that wildland firefighters may be at risk of developing noise-induced hearing loss, particularly those operating chainsaws, chippers, and masticators.
Promoting Hearing Health among Fire Fighters
NIOSH Publication No. 2013-142 (May 2013)
Provides recommendations to promote better hearing health through the use of quieter equipment, better work practices, hearing protection devices, and the implementation of effective hearing loss prevention programs.
Wildland Fire Smoke: A Guide for Public Health Officials
This guide is designed to help local public health officials prepare for smoke events, to take measures to protect the public when smoke is present, and communicate with the public about wildfire smoke and health.
Joint Fire Science Program – Wildland Fire Smoke Health Effects on Wildland Firefighters and the Public.
Final report details a comprehensive literature review and an extensive smoke exposure concentration dataset for wildland firefighters to estimate health risks specific to wildfire smoke.
CDC Wildfires Information
More and more people make their homes in areas that are prone to wildfires. This webpage provides information about how to protect yourself and your family from a wildfire, evacuate safely during a wildfire, and how to stay healthy when you return home.
Stop, Think, and Talk, before Acting: United States Forest Service Video
The Forest Service continues on a journey to build safe, rewarding, and resilient workplaces for all employees. Life-Work dialogues build upon their sincere commitment to continually improve employee well-being and success. Watch the video to see photos of NIOSH researchers on the fireline and see what it is all about.