smoke

As heat and smoke settle in across western Montana and become the new summer norm, Missoula County and its emergency partners plan to test their response and prepare for worsening conditions in the future.

Recent studies have linked wildfire smoke exposure to negative birth outcomes such as low birth weight and preterm birth.

Amy Cilimburg writes, "Our fire seasons are lengthening, and we’re breathing more pollution."

Polly Pfister writes, "It's time to put a stop to the Forest Service's reckless burning of our forests and stop them from continually choking us to death with their polluting smoke."

While smoke is bad for everyone, children, older adults, pregnant people, people with heart and lung disease, and people who can’t avoid exposures, such as outdoor workers and people living outside, are at greater risk of health impacts.

The Missoula Ranger District is burning up to 43 acres southwest of Missoula.

Kerri Muller writes, "It’s complicated having three airsheds and three burning zones, but there are real benefits."

When wildfire smoke fills a city, a new report says children from poorer neighborhoods are more likely to risk their health playing in parks.

Climate Smart Missoula writes, "The Held youth have brought to a larger stage the reality that climate change is not a future problem -- we’re experiencing its effects now."

Climate Smart Missoula writes, "Human caused climate change is bringing longer and more intense fire seasons, yet there are ways we can prepare and stay healthy."