Environmental Impact
Wildfires can be extremely harmful to the environment, with some blazes scorching vast areas of land and leaving behind a wake of destruction that has long-term impacts on entire ecosystems.
In addition to altering vegetation patterns and destroying habitats, wildfires can degrade water and air quality. These effects can not only impact plants and animals, but they can also be consequential for humans.
References: NC State
Health Impact
PM2.5 from wildfire smoke is associated with premature deaths in the general population, and can cause and exacerbate diseases of the lungs, heart, brain/nervous system, skin, gut, kidney, eyes, nose and liver. It has also been shown to lead to cognitive impairment and memory loss. Firefighters and emergency response workers are also greatly impacted by injuries, burns and smoke inhalation, particularly at high concentrations.
References: WHO