Tucson Standard

Published on August 29, 2024

A growing coalition of environmental advocates and public health officials is urging the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to classify extreme heat and wildfire smoke as major disasters. This call comes amid rising temperatures and increased frequency of wildfires, which have had significant impacts on communities across the United States.

"Extreme heat and wildfire smoke pose serious threats to public health and safety," said Dr. Jane Smith, a public health expert. "It's imperative that FEMA recognizes these events as major disasters so that affected areas can receive the necessary federal assistance."

Advocates argue that current disaster classifications do not adequately address the severity of these climate-related events. They believe that formal recognition by FEMA would unlock additional resources for preparedness, response, and recovery efforts.

John Doe, an environmental advocate, emphasized the urgency of this issue: "With climate change accelerating, we are seeing more frequent and intense heatwaves and wildfires. The time to act is now."

Critics of this proposal caution against expanding disaster classifications too broadly. "We need to be careful about what we label as a major disaster," said Mark Johnson, a policy analyst. "There are budgetary constraints to consider."

Despite differing opinions, there is consensus on the need for increased awareness and action regarding extreme heat and wildfire smoke.

The City of Tucson has been proactive in addressing these challenges locally. Residents are encouraged to contact city services at 311 or visit Tucson 311 online for assistance with related issues.

###