How wildfires in the American West hurt the entire country As smoke travels, it can cause illness and economic hardship thousands of miles away. by Mara Kardas-Nelson InvestigateWest / October 1, 2020
As wildfires break records, firefighters face growing health risks Emerging scientific evidence shows they may be at risk of respiratory and heart illness, and maybe even cancer. by Mara Kardas-Nelson InvestigateWest / September 28, 2020
How British Columbia protects its people from wildfire smoke The Canadian province is well ahead of Washington and Oregon in protecting people’s health from wildfires. by Mara Kardas-Nelson InvestigateWest / September 22, 2020
Wildfire smoke’s health impacts have only just begun A growing body of evidence shows smoke sickens and can even kill. Is the government doing enough to protect residents? by Mara Kardas-Nelson InvestigateWest / September 21, 2020
From WSU to Western, college town businesses are feeling the squeeze Online classes and no college sports spell trouble for small towns that lean on a higher ed economy. by Emily McCarty / September 14, 2020
During wildfires, West Coast farmworkers forced to put harvest over health Little is done to protect the workers’ health, and many feel powerless to hold employers accountable. by Mara Kardas-Nelson & Jess Alvarenga & Rosa Amanda Tuirán InvestigateWest / October 6, 2020
'It just builds up': Washington firefighters struggle with PTSD long after the fires go out As wildfires become more common, Washington firefighters are creating support networks for their communities to deal with the mental trauma. by Emily McCarty / September 12, 2019
In the fight against Washington wildfires, drones are now as vital as chainsaws Behind the scenes, a squad of IT teams, meteorologists and other tech experts are helping fight fire and save lives. by Emily McCarty / September 11, 2019