WHO warns wildfire smoke can harm health far from the flames

The World Health Organization has warned that wildfire smoke can threaten health far beyond the blaze itself, saying people outside the fire zone may still be exposed to harmful pollution. The warning comes as large fires continue to send smoke across wide areas.

According to the WHO, the smoke contains fine particles and other pollutants that can travel long distances and worsen breathing problems, especially for children, older adults and people with existing illness. The agency said the risk is not limited to communities directly in the path of the flames.

The alert adds to broader public health concerns around air quality, as governments and health agencies face pressure to limit exposure during fire seasons. The WHO has repeatedly urged authorities to treat smoke as a serious health hazard, not just a by-product of property damage.

Wildfires have become a recurring issue in many regions, with smoke often drifting across borders and into cities far from the original fire. Health officials say that makes monitoring air quality and issuing timely advice increasingly important.