Proximity of Wildfires to Inpatient Healthcare Facilities in California, 2001-2023

This study assessed changes in the proximity of wildfires to inpatient healthcare facilities in California during the period 2001 to 2023. This retrospective, descriptive spatial analysis of 22 years of wildfire perimeter and healthcare facility data analyzed distances between each inpatient facility and the nearest wildfire perimeter in each year (wildfire-facility distance). Distances were computed on an annual basis using data from the California Department of Health Care Access and Information and CAL-FIRE's Fire and Resource Assessment Program. Temporal changes in wildfire-facility distances over the study timeframe were analyzed via linear modeling and Kruskal-Wallis test. This analysis revealed that distances from inpatient healthcare facilities in California to nearby wildfires are decreasing by an average of 628 feet per year. More facilities are experiencing nearby wildfires. During 2017-2023, there were 53% more inpatient beds within five miles of a wildfire than in 2001-2008. Wildfires are occurring closer to inpatient healthcare facilities in California. An increasing proportion of California's inpatient bed capacity is exposed to nearby wildfires. Policies to reduce risk posed by wildfires, prepare for evacuations, preserve access to healthcare, and ensure safe location of new facilities are urgently needed to ensure the safety of patients and the wellbeing of populations that depend on inpatient healthcare services.