Wildfires are no longer seasonal events—they are a year-round national crisis affecting more than 115 million people. Climate change, decades of aggressive fire suppression, and rapid development in fire-prone areas have dramatically increased smoke exposure, displacement, public health emergencies, and economic losses.
Latinos make up 31 percent of construction workers, 35 percent of landscape workers, and 80 percent of farmworkers nationwide. These occupations are routinely exposed to dangerous smoke, extreme heat, and hazardous post-fire conditions, yet many lack adequate protections, training, and emergency communication systems. Families living in these regions also experience heightened respiratory illness, cardiovascular impacts, pregnancy complications, mental health strain, and long-term recovery barriers. At the same time, these communities are also creating models for preparedness, mutual aid, and resilience.
“Wildfires don’t just burn forests—they upend lives, economies, and entire communities,” said Hilda Berganza, Hispanic Access Climate Program Manager. “Latino families are on the front lines of these threats, yet they are also leading powerful, community-rooted solutions. This toolkit recognizes that leadership and provides the information needed to protect our homes, our health, and our future.”
The wildfire resiliency toolkit brings together clear explanations of wildfire dynamics and smoke impacts, case studies, and insights from public health, environmental science, and on-the-ground disaster response. It also includes guidance on worker protections, emergency preparedness, equitable communication practices, and culturally grounded strategies for strengthening community networks. The resource emphasizes that addressing wildfires requires more than emergency response; it demands prevention, preparedness, and community empowerment rooted in education, environmental stewardship, and advocacy for fair policies.
“Latino communities are deeply committed to protecting the places where we live, work, and worship,” said Diego Gil-Agudelo, Hispanic Access Conservation Director. “This resource supports local leaders, health advocates, and families working to build resilience and ensure safer, healthier communities for the next generation.”
Developed as an accessible and culturally relevant tool, the wildfire resiliency toolkit equips communities with the information needed to understand the changing wildfire landscape and engage in local and national efforts to safeguard public health and strengthen long-term resilience.
The toolkit is available for download at https://bit.ly/WildfireWhitepaper25.