Evacuation during wildfires and public health - results from a pilot study and literature review

NCCEH Environmental Health Webinar
May 9, 2024
Presenter: Stéphane Perron
The presentation addresses a study and an in-depth literature review aimed at identifying the most critical moments to minimize health impacts during a wildfire evacuation. To this end, twelve participants from a socio-health region affected by fires were interviewed using semi-structured interviews. The analysis of these interviews highlighted pivotal moments that have significant, positive or negative, impacts on health. These four key moments, including the communication of evacuation orders, adapted transportation, accommodation during evacuations, and the recovery phase, are identified as requiring particular attention. The results of this exploratory study were compared with those from a thematic literature review covering the same topics. Thus, the presentation will offer a critical reflection on the challenges, health impacts, and potential solutions identified through the study and literature review.