Wildfire smoke is erasing progress on clean air

One solution, experts say, is to reduce the potential for wildfires to grow into long-lasting and destructive infernos. In recent years, California has recognized that decades of fire suppression have led to a build-up of fuel in forests where smaller, contained fires actually contribute to the health of the forest. The state has been increasing prescribed fires and other forest management techniques to help reduce the risk of out-of-control megafires.

The new research indicates that the health risk is rising as the hot and dry conditions for wildfires continue to worsen with climate change.