As California Wildfires Intensify, Protecting Outdoor Workers Is More Critical Than Ever

As of August 2025, California experienced over 4,700 wildfires, resulting in at least 31 fatalities and the destruction of thousands of structures. One of the largest fires this year, the Gifford Fire, has already burned over 82,000 acres across San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties. In addition to flames and evacuations, outdoor workers face significant health risks from extreme heat and wildfire smoke.

Wildfire smoke contains harmful fine particulate matter (PM₂.₅), which can cause immediate effects like eye irritation, coughing, difficulty breathing and long-term effects such as heart and lung disease. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), prolonged exposure to PM₂.₅ can increase the risk of asthma, heart attacks, and cognitive decline.

Source: EPA – Wildfire Smoke Factsheet

Why Employers Must Comply with Cal/OSHA Heat and Smoke Standards

Employers in California are legally required to follow Cal/OSHA regulations to protect employees from heat illness and wildfire smoke exposure. These rules apply to both outdoor and certain indoor work environments.

Outdoor Heat Illness Prevention – Title 8, Section 3395

This regulation applies when outdoor temperatures exceed 80°F. Employers must:

• Provide access to clean, fresh drinking water
• Ensure shade is available when temperatures exceed 80°F
• Allow for cool-down rest periods
• Implement acclimatization protocols for new or returning workers
• Establish emergency response procedures
• Train employees and supervisors on heat illness prevention

Source: California Department of Industrial Relations – §3395 Heat Illness Prevention in Outdoor Places of Employment

Indoor Heat Illness Prevention – Title 8, Section 3396 (Approved July 2024, Effective January 2025)

New indoor heat illness regulations apply to workplaces where the temperature equals or exceeds 82°F. Employers must:

• Monitor indoor heat and environmental risk factors
• Provide cool-down areas at or below 82°F
• Follow acclimatization and emergency procedures similar like: §3395
• Maintain written Heat Illness Prevention Plans (HIPPs)

Source: California Department of Industrial Relations – §3396 Heat Illness Prevention in Indoor Places of Employment

Wildfire Smoke Protection – Title 8, Section 5141.1

This regulation applies when the Air Quality Index (AQI) for PM₂.₅ is 151 or higher and employee exposure is reasonably anticipated. Employers must:

• Monitor the AQI using government sources like AirNow.gov
• Communicate smoke hazard information and health effects
• Provide and encourage use of NIOSH-approved N95 respirators when AQI is ≥151
• Require respirator use (with a full respiratory protection program) when AQI exceeds 500

Source: California Department of Industrial Relations – §5141.1 Protection from Wildfire Smoke

About NATEC International’s Cal/OSHA-Compliant Heat Illness Prevention Training

NATEC International offers an online Cal/OSHA-compliant Heat Illness Prevention course designed for supervisors, safety professionals, and employees working in hot environments.

This course will include but is not limited to:

• Regulations & Definitions
• Types of Heat Illnesses
• Risk Factors for Heat Illness
• Heat Illness Prevention Program Elements

Now Is Time To Take Action

With wildfire seasons intensifying and regulations evolving, employers must prioritize worker safety and legal compliance. Stay compliant and protect your workforce by: Enrolling in Heat Illness Prevention CAL/OSHA Online Course