‘You can taste the ash’: surviving in America’s wildfire smoke capital
Summary
Josephine County in Oregon, near the California border, is known as the deadliest place in the US for wildfire smoke-related deaths. Residents face months of heavy smoke each year, which harms their health and daily life. The thick forests and deep valleys trap smoke for weeks, causing ongoing problems even inside homes and hospitals.Key Facts
- Josephine County ranks highest in the US for deaths caused by wildfire smoke, with about 17 premature deaths per 100,000 people between 2006 and 2020.
- Wildfire smoke season lasts from around May to October, replacing the usual concept of summer.
- Residents report ash falling like snow and smoke making it hard to breathe; some use wet towels to block smoke from entering their homes.
- Thick smoke can affect everyday activities, including changing the taste of local wine.
- Some people wear masks to protect themselves, but others avoid masks due to social stigma.
- Hospitals struggle to keep wildfire smoke out, lacking strong enough air filtration systems.
- The area's dense forests and valleys cause smoke to linger for weeks or months at a time.
- The local population has many older adults and high poverty rates, making them more vulnerable to health impacts from the smoke.
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