INFOGRAPHIC

Environmental Effects of Wildfires

Introduction

Intense wildfires can cause chemical reactions that release metals, nutrients and other toxicants into the soil. When subsequent rains wash these contaminants into rivers and reservoirs, wildlife, agriculture and human health can suffer. Monitoring and analyzing environmental conditions before, during and after wildfire events can help to manage their impact. This infographic is designed to educate the reader on the potential impacts that wildfires can have on the environmental matrices including air, water and soil.