Environment

California wildfires: Is smoke the most dangerous side-effect?

Archive
1 min read
plumes of smoke from the Camp Fire stretching across portions of Northern California
Image caption Satellite imagery showed plumes of smoke from the Camp Fire stretching across portions of Northern California

As firefighters work endlessly to control California's raging fires, experts warn of long-term damage from wildfire smoke that could affect millions.

How dangerous is wildfire smoke?

What's the best way to escape a wildfire?

Homes in Malibu, California
Image caption Environmental conditions in California in recent years have made wildfires deadlier

How do you fight a wildfire?

Media captionParadise resident Sorrell Bobrink describes 'apocalyptic' scenes

How do wildfires start?

A Cal Fire firefighter sprays water on a home next to a burning home as the Camp Fire moves through the area
Image caption Cal Fire firefighters have been fighting the Camp Fire for days

Why are California fires so devastating?

Flames from a wildfire are seen on a road in California
Image caption Many Californians have had to abandon vehicles and escape the flames on foot

What about climate change?

How do homeowners pay for the damage?

Published November 15, 2018

Join the discussion — please keep to our Community Guidelines.