Across BC, significant wildfires have become an annual occurrence, underscoring the need for forest management practices to reduce long-term wildfire risk. While activities such as prescribed burning are beneficial for fuel management, both wildfire and prescribed fires produce smoke that can pose significant risks to human health. Notably, the impacts of smoke often extend beyond areas directly affected by fire, as smoke can travel significant distances, exposing communities both near and far from the fires. While the health risks specific to prescribed fire smoke remain understudied, the impacts of wildfire smoke on human health are becoming more widely understood. Substantial evidence has linked short-term exposure, over periods of days or weeks, to an increased risk of mortality and a range of acute health effects, including respiratory issues such as asthma exacerbations, cardiovascular events, and impacts on cognitive function. Emerging evidence also suggests that repeated or prolonged exposure may contribute to reduced lung function, increased risk of chronic disease, and premature mortality.