Preparedness and Action Strategy for Wildfire Smoke in Region 10 Native American Communities
Managing Wildfire Smoke Effects on Tribal Lands
In the face of increasing wildfire activity, resources for managing wildfire smoke effects on Tribal lands in Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington are abundant. These resources span federal assistance, real-time data, health protection, indoor air quality, wildfire prevention, community engagement, air quality monitoring, and research.
Federal Assistance and Grants
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provides Fire Management Assistance Grants (FMAG) to tribal governments for wildfire mitigation, management, and control. This includes funding for wildfire-related projects, such as defensible space and hazardous fuels reduction. Specific wildfire incidents in these states, including Alaska and Oregon, have FMAG declarations, providing targeted support.
Tribal Fire Management Programs
Tribes, including those in Alaska and the Klamath area, actively participate in fire management and prescribed burns. Collaboration between tribes and agencies such as the Forest Service has increased, focusing on building relationships, respecting tribal territories, and scaling up prescribed burning to reduce fuels and future fire severity.
Real-Time Data and Fire Situational Awareness
The National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) coordinates wildfire management with multiple federal agencies and provides Incident Management Situation Reports. This center supports real-time data on wildfires affecting the region, which is critical for planning and response.
Health Protection and Indoor Air Quality
While specific details on health protection measures for wildfire smoke on tribal lands were not outlined explicitly in the provided results, federal agencies typically emphasize services to vulnerable populations in their wildfire response plans, including air quality monitoring and recommendations to improve indoor air quality during smoke events.
Community and School Support
Direct information on wildfire smoke management in schools or community groups from the search results is limited. However, tribal fire programs and local conservation districts engage communities in fire preparedness and education to mitigate wildfire impacts.
Air Quality Sensors and Research
No direct references were found in the search results for dedicated tribal air quality sensor deployments or specific wildfire smoke research targeting the aforementioned states’ tribal lands. However, the combined efforts of federal agencies like the Forest Service and Interior agencies include research and monitoring as part of broader wildfire management.
Extreme Heat and Wildfire Prevention
These issues are generally incorporated into wildfire risk management strategies through planning, prescribed burns, and fuel treatments, several of which involve tribal participation and support via federal programs.
Contacts and Resources Access
- FEMA Wildfire Actions resource page provides information on grants and federal assistance for tribal governments.
- National Interagency Fire Center offers operational coordination and up-to-date wildfire information.
- Tribal fire program coordinators (e.g., Siskiyou Prescribed Burn Association) serve as local contacts for prescribed fire efforts.
Accessing Resources
The AirNow fire and smoke map offers real-time data on PM levels, named fire locations, smoke plumes, and links to Interagency Wildland Fire Air Quality Response Program reports during wildfire events. The EPA's AirNow offers printable resources on coping with the stress of wildfire smoke, protecting pets from wildfire smoke, and protecting large animals and livestock from wildfire smoke.
The EPA's Region 10 is dedicated to helping Tribes manage the effects of wildfire smoke on Tribal lands in Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. Resources include the EPA's Enhanced Air Sensor Guidebook, the EPA Region 10 Air Sensor Loan Program, and the Smoke Ready - Interagency Wildfire Air Quality Response Program.
For detailed, localized support, contacting FEMA regional offices, NIFC, and local tribal fire and conservation groups is recommended. Sandra Brozusky, the Tribal Air Team lead for EPA Region 10, can be reached at brozusky.sandra@our website or 206-553-5317.
- The increased wildfire activity calls for improved measures in Environmental Science, particularly concerning air quality, as wildfire smoke affects Tribal lands in multiple states.
- Federal Assistance in the form of Grants, like those offered by FEMA's Fire Management Assistance Grants (FMAG), can aid in projects aimed at wildfire mitigation and fuels reduction.
- Health-and-Wellness provisions for wildfire smoke on Tribal lands may include air quality monitoring and recommendations to improve Indoor Air Quality during smoke events.
- Fitness-and-Exercise can play a role in personal resilience during climate change events, including wildfires, as it offers mental health benefits that help cope with stress.
- Skin Care is crucial during wildfire events due to unhealthy air conditions, as it can help protect the skin from pollutants.
- Workplace-Wellness programs can incorporate information about wildfire preparation and precautions, promoting the overall well-being of employees living in areas susceptible to wildfires.
