What's the 2021 concern?
First. COVID-19 is likely to be of concern this summer and fall. Likely beyond.
Second. It's forecasted to be hot and dry this summer in Montana and the west, so the potential for fires is high. See here and here.
Third. Many are vulnerable to the intersection of poor air quality from wildfire smoke and the potential to contract COVID.
Fourth. We're concerned for our wildland firefighters (see below)
Fifth. In our communities and across Montana, we need to:
Second. It's forecasted to be hot and dry this summer in Montana and the west, so the potential for fires is high. See here and here.
Third. Many are vulnerable to the intersection of poor air quality from wildfire smoke and the potential to contract COVID.
Fourth. We're concerned for our wildland firefighters (see below)
Fifth. In our communities and across Montana, we need to:
- Increase the capacity to provide HEPA portable air cleaners (PACs) or inexpensive portable air cleaners (filter/boxfan combo units - description of these coming soon) to those most in need
- Reach out to senior centers and older adult residences to prepare for smoke and improve indoor air quality as best they can
- Investigate and improve indoor air quality in key public buildings/potential emergency shelters
- Develop and provide educational materials and outreach to all Montanans to improve air quality and reduce respiratory and COVID-19 infection. We will do our best to share widely, as capacity allows...
What we're reading - health risks
Now is the Time to Take Care of Your Lungs. Here's How. March 27. New York Times
How Air Pollution Exacerbates Covid-19. April 27. BBC
Air Pollution from Wildfires May Make Coronavirus More Lethal. April 27, 2020. Forbes
How Air Pollution Exacerbates Covid-19. April 27. BBC
Air Pollution from Wildfires May Make Coronavirus More Lethal. April 27, 2020. Forbes
fighting fires in the age of covid-19
This is a really good time to ensure your home is protected from wildfire ignition, especially if you live in our near the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI). And please no fireworks this year, be careful not to start fires!
Montanans should prepare as COVID-19 complicates firefighting. Missoula Current. May 25, 2020
Above average wildfire potential predicted for Montana. MTPR. May 7, 2020
New Research: Wildfire Smoke Worsens Covid-19 Risks for Firefighters. Missoula Current. April 24, 2020
How Coronavirus can Make a Bad Wildfire Season Even Worse. The Conversation. April 22, 2020
Montanans should prepare as COVID-19 complicates firefighting. Missoula Current. May 25, 2020
Above average wildfire potential predicted for Montana. MTPR. May 7, 2020
New Research: Wildfire Smoke Worsens Covid-19 Risks for Firefighters. Missoula Current. April 24, 2020
How Coronavirus can Make a Bad Wildfire Season Even Worse. The Conversation. April 22, 2020
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