Wildfires are a growing worldwide threat as climate change drives more extreme weather events. Urban development has been rapidly expanding to meet or intermix into wildland areas, known as the wildland urban interface (WUI). With close to one-third of the U.S. population living in the WUI, these communities face a unique public health challenge as fires in these areas lead to additional toxic pollutants that are different from wildland fires. Beyond the direct health, structural, and economic impacts from WUI fires that these communities face, people far downwind from the WUI fire are exposed to these unique fire emissions, which present distinct health hazards.
During our webinar, “Understanding Wildfires in the Wildland Urban Interface, the Built Environment, and Public Health,” we will define and describe the WUI and its uniquely toxic fires and subsequent health effects, share strategies for mitigating risks and preparing communities in the WUI, and give attendees an interdisciplinary path to answer some of today’s most challenging questions. Join us and our expert panelists as we embark on this educational journey, laying the foundation for a series of discussions on effectively adapting and thriving in an ever-changing world.
Expert panelists include:
- Brian Metzger
Fire Protection Engineer I National Fire and Emergency Medical Services Program Division I United States Fire Administration - Chuck Miccolis
Managing Director of Commercial Lines and Building Resiliency Expert at the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) - Jennifer Osborne
EMS Specialist | EMS Branch | National Fire and Emergency Medical Services Program Division I United States Fire Administration - Annette Stelmack
Sustainable Designer and Founding Principal of Inspirit-llc - Dr. Christopher Weis
Science Director and Principal at Weis Toxicology, LLC - Dr. Mark Wilson
Director of the Center for Exposure Science at Chemical Insights Institute of UL Research Institutes
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