The Impact of Prescribed Burns and Smoke Exposure on Marginalized Communities in California

In response to the increase in wildfires seen over the past decade, federal, state, and private landowners in California are taking steps to mitigate the effects of future wildfires. A key part of the mitigation plan is to increase the number of prescribed burns being done across the state. This planned substantial increase in prescribed burns aims to protect communities from wildfires but a key concern this paper will address is the impact that this increase is having on marginalized communities in the state. This paper will aim to provide some context for the current situation in California and examine how prescribed burn policies are affecting marginalized communities as well as propose solutions for how to protect specific marginalized communities from the effects of smoke and particulate matter exposure