Dr Katherine O’Reilly, Regional Medical Director at International SOS, outlines the growing health risks wildfires pose to workers and why organisations need stronger preparedness measures.
This summer, parts of Europe have experienced one of the most severe wildfire seasons on record, against a backdrop of record-breaking temperatures and widespread drought. While the impacts associated with wildfires are often damaged property and evacuations, there is another consequence that needs greater focus: the effects on human health, both short- and long-term.
Wildfire health risks are also converging with wider security and operational challenges. According to International SOS’ Risk Outlook 2026, almost half (49%) of organisations say the convergence of health, security, and operational risks has increased over the past year.
For organisations, this means wildfire preparedness must extend beyond evacuation and business continuity planning. Understanding and mitigating the direct and indirect health impacts is becoming an increasingly important part of protecting the workforce and fulfilling duty of care.
The health threat extends beyond the flames
Some of the most widespread health impacts of wildfires are from smoke and deteriorating air quality. Wildfire smoke can cause immediate irritation to the eyes, nose and throat, but its effects can also be much greater. Smoke exposure can contribute to asthma attacks, heart attacks and strokes, while also exacerbating underlying conditions such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).
Modern wildfires can also present new health challenges as they burn through urban and industrial environments, meaning smoke may contain a mix of hazardous pollutants, including heavy metals and carcinogens. Fine particulate matter generated by these fires can penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream, causing inflammation and affecting many organs.
Smoke can also travel significant distances, meaning employees may face health risks even though they are located some distance from an active fire. Organisations therefore need to consider air quality alongside proximity to flames when assessing workforce exposure. It is also important to recognise that some individuals may be particularly vulnerable and may need additional mitigation measures or support.
Compounding physical and psychological risks
Wildfires frequently coincide with extreme heat and drought, creating overlapping health hazards. Exposure to high temperatures can result in dehydration, heat exhaustion and potentially life-threatening heat stroke, while also exacerbating existing health conditions.
For employees working outdoors or in environments without adequate ventilation or cooling, these risks can be particularly acute. Heat-specific risk assessments should therefore form part of wider health and safety frameworks, with working arrangements modified where necessary.
The psychological consequences should not be overlooked either. Evacuations, uncertainty about personal safety, displacement and the potential loss of homes, businesses or communities can have a significant impact.
Anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can emerge following such incidents, meaning mental health support must be considered alongside physical health measures in preparedness and recovery planning.
Wildfires can also place considerable strain on local healthcare infrastructure. Demand for medical care can rise significantly and coincide with hospitals and clinics facing disruption themselves from damage or power outages, potentially making it harder for employees and travellers to access the care they need.
Moving from response to resilience
The speed at which wildfire conditions can change makes preparation critical.
Organisations need visibility of where their people are, the conditions they face, and which individuals or roles may be particularly vulnerable. Achieving this requires timely, verified information. Yet, according to our Risk Outlook 2026, 36% of organisations believe they lack sufficiently timely risk intelligence, while 44% are having to step up verification efforts due to faster news and alert cycles.
Turning intelligence into action
To close this gap, organisations should create clear processes for gathering and verifying information before a crisis occurs. This means combining trusted intelligence sources with local networks, on-the-ground expertise and technology that can rapidly identify emerging threats and affected employees. Clear escalation protocols are equally important, ensuring verified information reaches decision-makers quickly enough to act.
Practical preparations should accompany this intelligence. Appropriate respiratory protection, such as properly fitted N95 masks, should be available when needed, and clear thresholds should define when deteriorating air quality requires action. Employees should also understand the symptoms of smoke exposure and heat illness, how to reduce their exposure, and when to seek medical assistance.
Wildfire risks extend beyond the flames
Finally, wildfire health risks cannot be managed by one function alone. As the impact of wildfires increasingly intersects with medical, security, HR, travel and operational responsibilities, an effective response requires silos to be broken down.
As the intensity, frequency and geography of wildfires evolve, organisations need to recognise that the health risks extend far beyond the fire line. Smoke, extreme heat, psychological distress and disruption to healthcare and operations can affect people across much wider areas and for longer than the flames themselves.
Treating these health consequences as risks that require proactive planning, supported by timely intelligence, clear decision-making, and cross-functional collaboration, will be critical to protecting people in an increasingly volatile environment.
