As wildfires continue to increase in frequency and intensity across the United States, Hispanic Access Foundation released a wildfire educational video series and a wildfire management toolkit to empower Latino communities with vital information to protect their health, homes, and the environment.
Wildfires have become a devastating and recurrent phenomenon in recent decades. Since the 1980s, the extent of area burned by wildfires each year has more than doubled, with an alarming 1000% increase in the average number of acres consumed annually. These fires pose a significant threat to ecosystems, property, and lives. The smoke they generate is equally dangerous, containing pollutants such as particulate matter, carbon monoxide, and volatile organic compounds. Exposure to wildfire smoke has been linked to respiratory issues, cardiovascular diseases, and exacerbation of chronic health conditions. Wildfires disproportionately impact Latinos because many of them work outdoors and are exposed to wildfire smoke, often live or work in wildfire-prone areas, and face additional barriers such as limited access to emergency services and inadequate housing.
To address this growing concern, Hispanic Access Foundation released a wildfire educational video series that provides accessible content and practical tips to help individuals and families better understand the risks posed by wildfires, how to prevent them, and how to protect themselves to stay safe during wildfire events; and a wildlife management toolkit that offers comprehensive guidance for communities, organizations, and individuals on best practices for protecting local ecosystems and mitigating the long-term environmental effects of wildfires on wildlife habitats, and resources for solutions to wildfire protection challenges faced by Latinos.
"The growing intensity of wildfires poses a significant danger, especially to Latino communities that often bear the brunt of environmental hazards," said Hilda Berganza, Hispanic Access Foundation Climate Manager. "Our educational video series and wildlife management toolkit are designed to provide critical resources that can make a real difference in keeping our communities safe and informed."
The wildfire educational video Series and wildlife management toolkit are part of a broader initiative to address the environmental challenges and extreme weather events that severely impact Latinos and advance environmental justice and equity.
The wildlife management tool is available on the Hispanic Access Foundation website, and the video series is available on YouTube.
