'How the Coronavirus Crisis May Hinder Efforts to Fight Wildfires' diff viewer (5/6)

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How the Coronavirus Crisis May Hinder Efforts to Fight Wildfires	How the Coronavirus Crisis May Hinder Efforts to Fight Wildfires
2020-06-09 23:02:59 UTC	2020-06-13 04:50:26 UTC (3 days later)
In San Jose, Calif., just under 10 percent of the city’s firefighters, some of whom also help battle the state’s wildfires, this week found themselves either infected with the coronavirus or in quarantine.	In San Jose, Calif., just under 10 percent of the city’s firefighters, some of whom also help battle the state’s wildfires, this week found themselves either infected with the coronavirus or in quarantine.
And firefighters across the country, in states including Georgia, Indiana and Washington, are under quarantine amid the coronavirus crisis.	And firefighters across the country, in states including Georgia, Indiana and Washington, are under quarantine amid the coronavirus crisis.
Much of the Western United States remains under drought conditions as fire season, which typically ramps up in mid-May and lasts through November, approaches. Arizona and New Mexico have had rain, but parts of California have already seen an increase in reported fires, according to The California Department of Fire. The state has received roughly half the amount of snow and rainfall that is normal for this time of year.	Much of the Western United States remains under drought conditions as fire season, which typically ramps up in mid-May and lasts through November, approaches. Arizona and New Mexico have had rain, but parts of California have already seen an increase in reported fires, according to The California Department of Fire. The state has received roughly half the amount of snow and rainfall that is normal for this time of year.
The coronavirus pandemic is already straining resources around the country, and the federal government has limited gatherings to fewer than 10 people to slow the spread of the virus. Firefighters are finding themselves squeezed from both sides: their close living and working conditions often allow for viruses to spread, but if they are subject to a quarantine, they are not available for emergency calls.	The coronavirus pandemic is already straining resources around the country, and the federal government has limited gatherings to fewer than 10 people to slow the spread of the virus. Firefighters are finding themselves squeezed from both sides: their close living and working conditions often allow for viruses to spread, but if they are subject to a quarantine, they are not available for emergency calls.
“There’s a risk of a reduction in force even as we go into fire season in the West right now,” said George Geissler, the state forester at the Washington State Department of Natural Resources.	“There’s a risk of a reduction in force even as we go into fire season in the West right now,” said George Geissler, the state forester at the Washington State Department of Natural Resources.
Despite hopes that Covid-19, the disease caused by the virus, might peter out by summer, “I think it’s reasonable to expect that you have to factor Covid into emergency response preparation for this summer,” said Dr. David Lee Thomas, a professor of medicine in the division of infectious diseases at Johns Hopkins University.	Despite hopes that Covid-19, the disease caused by the virus, might peter out by summer, “I think it’s reasonable to expect that you have to factor Covid into emergency response preparation for this summer,” said Dr. David Lee Thomas, a professor of medicine in the division of infectious diseases at Johns Hopkins University.
This new reality raises questions about how existing processes and structures that have been developed over a century will affect staffing needs, the health and safety of firefighters, and the health and safety of the communities they serve.	This new reality raises questions about how existing processes and structures that have been developed over a century will affect staffing needs, the health and safety of firefighters, and the health and safety of the communities they serve.
Fighting wildfires relies on many agencies working together, Mr. Geissler said. The United States Forest Service and the Department of Interior, as well as state agencies and local responders are all involved in some part of wildland fire response. Many of these same groups are being asked to respond to the coronavirus emergency.	Fighting wildfires relies on many agencies working together, Mr. Geissler said. The United States Forest Service and the Department of Interior, as well as state agencies and local responders are all involved in some part of wildland fire response. Many of these same groups are being asked to respond to the coronavirus emergency.
In Los Angeles, teams typically head out this time of year to inspect and reduce brush that can fuel fires come summer. But according to Erick Scott, the public information officer for the Los Angeles City Fire Department, they have been delayed. The inspection timeline will depend on when the department can next hold training sessions.	In Los Angeles, teams typically head out this time of year to inspect and reduce brush that can fuel fires come summer. But according to Erick Scott, the public information officer for the Los Angeles City Fire Department, they have been delayed. The inspection timeline will depend on when the department can next hold training sessions.
On Thursday, Washington State’s Department of National Resources announced it was canceling the first of three fire academies that the agency holds to train some 1,500 firefighters a year. Instead, firefighters will train in smaller groups at local units.	On Thursday, Washington State’s Department of National Resources announced it was canceling the first of three fire academies that the agency holds to train some 1,500 firefighters a year. Instead, firefighters will train in smaller groups at local units.
“That has a dramatic impact,” Mr. Geissler said. Many local fire services are “not going to get some of the training that they would have typically had available to them.”	“That has a dramatic impact,” Mr. Geissler said. Many local fire services are “not going to get some of the training that they would have typically had available to them.”
On the federal level, some preparation has already been delayed or disrupted. Several preseason meetings, where fire teams get together to share information and prepare for the upcoming fire season, have been canceled.	On the federal level, some preparation has already been delayed or disrupted. Several preseason meetings, where fire teams get together to share information and prepare for the upcoming fire season, have been canceled.
Dan O’Brien, the Center Coordinator for the Northwest Interagency Coordinating Center, said its meeting, at which more than 300 people were expected, was called off. “We’re leaving the option open for individual teams to meet virtually or otherwise with their command and general staff,” he said.	Dan O’Brien, the Center Coordinator for the Northwest Interagency Coordinating Center, said its meeting, at which more than 300 people were expected, was called off. “We’re leaving the option open for individual teams to meet virtually or otherwise with their command and general staff,” he said.
The center coordinates wildfire response in Oregon and Washington. It is one of seven such centers out west, and 10 nationwide. Three centers confirmed that they had canceled coordination meetings as of Thursday. The phone number for the office of the Southwest Coordination center played a recorded message stating that it was closed.	The center coordinates wildfire response in Oregon and Washington. It is one of seven such centers out west, and 10 nationwide. Three centers confirmed that they had canceled coordination meetings as of Thursday. The phone number for the office of the Southwest Coordination center played a recorded message stating that it was closed.
Daniel Hottle, a press officer for the United States Forest Service out of the Northern Rockies Coordination Center, said in a statement that the northern region has seen a handful of meetings postponed or rescheduled because of coronavirus concerns.	Daniel Hottle, a press officer for the United States Forest Service out of the Northern Rockies Coordination Center, said in a statement that the northern region has seen a handful of meetings postponed or rescheduled because of coronavirus concerns.
Incident management teams range in size from 30 to 60 members and provide logistical support for managing big fires, said Bobbie Scopa, who for decades served as a wildland firefighter with the U.S. Forest Service before retiring. “That annual training is really important because those folks maybe haven’t been out for six months on a fire,” she said, “so they need to kind of get refreshed and see what’s the latest news, exercise their organization a little bit.”	Incident management teams range in size from 30 to 60 members and provide logistical support for managing big fires, said Bobbie Scopa, who for decades served as a wildland firefighter with the U.S. Forest Service before retiring. “That annual training is really important because those folks maybe haven’t been out for six months on a fire,” she said, “so they need to kind of get refreshed and see what’s the latest news, exercise their organization a little bit.”
Hotshot crews, the teams that fight wildfires by digging breaks that can stop fires from spreading? “They’re 20-person crews,” said Ms. Scopa.	Hotshot crews, the teams that fight wildfires by digging breaks that can stop fires from spreading? “They’re 20-person crews,” said Ms. Scopa.
Help for big fires can come not just from other states but from other countries. In past years, Australia and New Zealand sent assistance for battling wildfires in the United States. But this year, they’re also dealing with their own coronavirus outbreaks.	Help for big fires can come not just from other states but from other countries. In past years, Australia and New Zealand sent assistance for battling wildfires in the United States. But this year, they’re also dealing with their own coronavirus outbreaks.
Mr. Geissler said that in Washington State they’re looking at alternatives that include reducing the number of people in each vehicle, or alternative methods of getting them to a fire. At the same time, incident commanders — the most experienced fire managers, who help guide logistics — tend to be older and in riskier age groups for serious complications from coronavirus.	Mr. Geissler said that in Washington State they’re looking at alternatives that include reducing the number of people in each vehicle, or alternative methods of getting them to a fire. At the same time, incident commanders — the most experienced fire managers, who help guide logistics — tend to be older and in riskier age groups for serious complications from coronavirus.
There is a great reliance on retirees with experience in the forest service, the Bureau of Land Management or the park service but they come back and fight fires in the summer, said Jim Whittington, who worked as a public affairs officer for a number of federal agencies on wildfire related issues before retiring. “So there’s a big question in my mind as to whether those folks are going to show up.”	There is a great reliance on retirees with experience in the forest service, the Bureau of Land Management or the park service but they come back and fight fires in the summer, said Jim Whittington, who worked as a public affairs officer for a number of federal agencies on wildfire related issues before retiring. “So there’s a big question in my mind as to whether those folks are going to show up.”
~~Updated June 5, 2020~~	Updated June 12, 2020
	Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.	So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.
A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.	A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.
The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.	The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.
Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.	Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.
Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home.	Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home.
States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.	States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.	Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.
If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)	If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)
Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.	Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.
The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.	The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.
If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.	If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.
If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.	If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.
To fight large fires, a “fire camp” is usually set up, which is essentially a large campground for everyone working on the fire. And in such a setting, there is risk of contagion.	To fight large fires, a “fire camp” is usually set up, which is essentially a large campground for everyone working on the fire. And in such a setting, there is risk of contagion.
“One of the things we often talk about in the fire service is camp crud,” Ms. Scopa said, referring to the infections that frequently race through fire camps, which feature people working long hours and living in close quarters with less than ideal hygiene. It’s these sorts of conditions that lead to regular outbreaks of colds and other infections, as well as more serious ones such as the norovirus outbreak in 2009 Nevada’s Red Rock Fire.	“One of the things we often talk about in the fire service is camp crud,” Ms. Scopa said, referring to the infections that frequently race through fire camps, which feature people working long hours and living in close quarters with less than ideal hygiene. It’s these sorts of conditions that lead to regular outbreaks of colds and other infections, as well as more serious ones such as the norovirus outbreak in 2009 Nevada’s Red Rock Fire.
The risks aren’t limited to firefighters. After 2018’s Camp Fire, people who evacuated to shelters also found themselves dealing with a norovirus outbreak.	The risks aren’t limited to firefighters. After 2018’s Camp Fire, people who evacuated to shelters also found themselves dealing with a norovirus outbreak.