'You can taste the ash': surviving in America’s wildfire smoke capital
A magical corner of Oregon has the highest US rate of wildfire smoke deaths. How do residents live with the haze – and grief?
TL;DR
- Josephine County, Oregon, is the deadliest place in the US for wildfire smoke, with an estimated 17 premature deaths per 100,000 people linked to climate breakdown between 2006 and 2020.
- Residents describe experiencing ash falling like snow, tasting smoke in the air, and struggling to keep smoke out of their homes, impacting their health and even their wine.
- Hospitals struggle to filter out the constant smoke, and some residents face social stigma for wearing masks, while others propose logging as a solution to wildfire problems.
- Wildfire smoke is linked to numerous premature deaths nationwide and is projected to increase significantly by 2050 if climate change continues unabated.
- In Josephine County, days with unhealthy air quality due to wildfire smoke have dramatically increased between 2016-2025 compared to the decade prior.
- Residents with pre-existing conditions like COPD and asthma are particularly vulnerable, experiencing severe respiratory distress.
- Community efforts include distributing air purifiers and using CB radios for fire danger alerts, while individuals like Chris Granville carry notes detailing their severe asthma for emergencies.
- The article highlights the story of Harvey Shinerock, whose death in 2013 is believed by his family to have been accelerated by wildfire smoke, weakening his immune system and contributing to sepsis.
- Despite the dangers and losses, residents like Joy Shinerock express profound love for their home and community, finding magic and resilience amidst the challenges.