MISSOULA – Forest Service officials in Missoula are investigating when wildland firefighters start experiencing permanent health damage from smoke inhalation.
The Missoulian reports Joe Domitrovich and Joe Sol are experienced firefighters and members of the forest service’s Technology and Development Center who have begun a five-year study into the effects of smoke inhalation.
Researchers are equipping firefighters with pocket-sized carbon monoxide monitoring devices, activity monitors and cameras. So far, the research has revealed the worst smoke exposure tends to hit firefighters who are dousing hot spots and removing smoking tree stumps rather than those combating the perimeter of a blaze.
Domitrovich says the research will hopefully answer questions like how often firefighters can fully recover from wildfire season, and when health damage starts to become permanent.