Preparedness, Information Needs, and Interruptions in Medical Care after the California Oak Fire

Climate change is contributing to increased frequency and intensity of wildfires in California. This study evaluated the self-reported impacts of the California Oak Fire on the health of a medically at-risk population and identified their wildfire preparedness and information needs.

A cross-sectional mixed-methods survey was conducted from April-July of 2023 of those with self-identified special needs in emergencies. The survey assessed self-reported wildfire preparedness, information needs, evacuation response, and health impacts.

A total of 53 surveys were completed for a response rate of 23.1%. Most respondents had medical conditions (94%). One-fifth (21%) of respondents reported missed or delayed medical appointments and harm to their health from the Oak Fire; these groups reported significantly more medical conditions (4.1 v. 2.5, P = 0.0055) and use of more medical devices (3.5 v 2, P = 0.007) than those without harm to their health. The most common way respondents learned about the Oak Fire was by seeing fire plumes/smelling smoke (59%); the most trusted information source was county officials (77%). Less than half of respondents (40%) evacuated during the Oak Fire.

Wildfires are associated with interruptions in medical care that harm health, particularly for medically at-risk populations.

Climate change is contributing to increased frequency and intensity of wildfires in California. This study evaluated the self-reported impacts of the California Oak Fire on the health of a medically at-risk population and identified their wildfire preparedness and information needs. A cross-sectional mixed-methods survey was conducted of those with self-identified special needs in emergencies. A total of 53 surveys were completed for a response rate of 23.1%. Most respondents had baseline medical conditions (94%). One-fifth (21%) of respondents reported missed or delayed medical appointments and harm to health from the Oak Fire; these groups reported significantly more medical conditions and use of more medical devices. The most common way respondents learned about the Oak Fire was by seeing fire plumes/smelling smoke (59%); the most trusted information source was county officials (77%). Wildfires are associated with interruptions in medical care that harm health, particularly for medically at-risk populations.