Wildfires are an essential natural process that promotes healthy forested ecosystems through processes such as the reduction of invasive species and allowing the regeneration of local flora and fauna. Wildfire season typically starts in spring and extends through fall, but with climate change, the frequency and intensity of wildfires becomes more variable and unstable. What is the link between climate change and forest fires? According the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), there are several correlative relationships between wildfires and climate change including the increase in warmer summer temperatures, the spread of invasive invertebrates (i.e the bark beetle causing tree destruction to areas where it may not have likely thrived), and having drier areas more susceptible to fire (2025). NASA (2025) has identified climate change as driver of warmer nighttime temperatures, less rainfall in the summer months, and winter snow that melts earlier. When wildfires occur, they also cause an increase in the carbon dioxide that is released in the atmosphere (NASA, 2025). Canadian Wildfires are what is currently causing the increase in the AQI (Air Quality Index), which had a peak reporting of 156, meaning the air in Bloomington-Normal was unhealthy for everyone. The main pollutant causing the AQI increase is particulate matter, which vary in shape and size, with the number (i.e. PM 2.5) indicating how large/small the solid and/or liquid air particles are in size. While smoke can be seen with the naked eye, PM 2.5 is less than 2.5 microns in diameter (a human hair is 70 micrometers!) which can be more easily lodged in the respiratory system (U.S. EPA, 2025)
While there are uncertainties related to the length and frequency of the summer season’s wildfires, remaining aware of the potential situation is important. The BNCARE Project provides real-time data and alerts regarding the current air quality so the community can make informed decisions for the health of themselves and their families. Other resources include:
- Details about wildfire and climate change from the U.S. Geological Survey Wildfire and Climate Change | U.S. Geological Survey and also from NASA Wildfires and Climate Change – NASA Science
- Details about Particle Pollution Particulate Matter (PM) Basics | US EPA
- Current active wildfires from the Interra Fire Situational Map Tool National Fire Situational Awareness
- Fire and Smoke Map AirNow Fire and Smoke Map
Bloomington Normal Community Air Research and Education (BNCARE) https://BNcare.org