What question did this study set out to answer?

The aim is to broaden understanding of health impacts from urban wildfires through rapid data mapping.

February 21, 2026Open Access

Rapidly Mapping Exposure Research Following the 2025 LA County Wildfires: A Public Health Extreme Event Research (PHEER) Network Response

NCNaomi CutlerUniversity of Washington NENicole Ann ErrettUniversity of Washington DEDavid P. EisenmanUniversity of California, Los Angeles

Key Points

The aim is to broaden understanding of health impacts from urban wildfires through rapid data mapping.
Developed a health exposure map using ArcGIS Online.
Curated environmental exposure data from various agencies.
Partnered with the University of Washington for hyperspectral imagery collection.
Focused on data location dissemination rather than sharing granular data.
Integrated data collection locations with existing datasets to avoid redundancy.
Prioritized ethical sharing of data types over specific exposure data.
Developed a model for ethical disaster research in urban fire scenarios.

Abstract

Abstract Objective Mounting evidence indicates a strong correlation between wildfire smoke exposure and health impacts, though limited studies have focused on urban fires or exposures other than smoke. The 2025 LA County Fires presented an opportunity to broaden this evidence base. Methods In response, the Public Health Extreme Events Research (PHEER) Network developed an ArcGIS Online health exposure map to curate and disseminate information about environmental exposure data collection activities across agencies and researchers. Results The map integrates data collection locations with publicly available datasets to reduce duplication of effort. PHEER also partnered with the University of Washington’s Natural Hazards Reconnaissance (RAPID) facility to collect hyperspectral imagery for analysis. Concerns about sharing granular exposure data led PHEER to prioritize disseminating locations and types of data collected rather than the data itself. Conclusion PHEER’s approach provides a model for supporting rapid, ethical disaster research in complex urban fire contexts.

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