Hazards associated with heavy smoke:
(1) reduced visibility, increasing the risk of accidents
(2) eye irritation
(3) respiratory tract irritation and particulate inhalation
(4) mechanical failure (fouling of air intakes to combustion motors)
Hazards associated with heat and dry air:
(1) heat exhaustion
(2) dehydration
Fire-related hazards:
(1) thermal burn
(2) carbon monoxide and other toxic gases
(3) explosions
Hazards faced by fire fighters and others trying to deal with the fire:
(1) accidents with physical trauma
(2) physical exhaustion
(3) emotional problems (emotional exhaustion, anxiety, phobias, depression)
Persons at increased risk if exposed to a wildfire:
(1) people at age extremes (very young and the elderly)
(2) pregnant women
(3) physically disabled
(4) chronic respiratory disease (asthma, COPD, other)
(5) heart disease