Native America Calling: The inevitable and increasing heat and wildfire threat

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Wednesday, June 12, 2024

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The inevitable and increasing heat and wildfire threat

An early summer heat wave just scorched the Southwest, breaking high temperature records, and another potentially record-breaking weather system is on it’s way.

2023 was the worst year on record for heat-related deaths in Phoenix, Arizona. A 14-year study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) finds Indigenous populations in the U.S. suffer a higher percentage of heat-related deaths than any other population.

NASA is just one of the agencies documenting the increasing frequency of high heat and drought, both of which put fire management officials on alert for the potential of another destructive wildfire season.

Join Native America Calling to find out how Native American emergency management and public health officials are gearing up to prepare for potentially deadly weather conditions.

A Navajo shade house in Arizona. Photo: Don Graham

Guests on Native America Calling

Bodie Shaw (member of the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs), deputy regional director for the northwest region of the Bureau of Indian Affairs

Dr. Tolani Francisco (from the Pueblo of Laguna and Catawba), owner of Native Healing, LLC and wild horse and burro coordinator for the U.S. Forest Service

Trevor Boucher, meteorologist at the National Weather Service