02/04/2027 - 02/05/2027: COEH Builds Bridges - Beyond the Burn: Navigating Wildfire Recovery for Workers, First Responders, and Communities

Thursday, February 4 (Online) & 
Friday, February 5, 2026 (In-Person | Berkeley, CA)

Wildfires can pose significant health risks long after the flames have been extinguished. As first responders, workers, and residents seek to return and rebuild communities, they face a complex and evolving set of occupational and environmental health challenges, from lingering smoke and particulate exposure to hazardous debris and long-term mental health effects. Understanding these risks – and knowing how to properly communicate, assess, and mitigate them, is essential to protect public health long after the fire is out.

Thursday, February 4th (Online Only) - Participants will hear from leading experts and practitioners on the health challenges that emerge after wildfire, and lessons learned from recent fires in the wildland-urban interface.

Friday, February 5th (In-Person Only, Berkeley CA) - On Day 2 the focus will turn to translating knowledge into practical tools for wildfire recovery. Through interactive workshops and discussions, participants will work through real-world challenges such as assessing air quality, selecting appropriate respiratory protection, navigating cleanup and remediation requirements, and communicating risk to communities. The day will emphasize actionable resources that participants can bring back to their workplaces and communities.

Join us as we bring together researchers, practitioners, first responders, and community leaders to share lessons learned and develop practical solutions for protecting health in the aftermath of wildfire.

Celebrate with us!

We're thrilled to be hosting this event as the 48th Annual UC Berkeley Lela Morris Symposium, and 44th Annual UC Davis Occupational and Environmental Medicine Symposium.

Audience

This symposium is intended for occupational and environmental health and safety professionals and clinicians including MD / DO, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, registered nurses, registered environmental health specialists, industrial hygienists, certified safety professionals, ergonomists, researchers, and other allied health professionals.  

Sponsors

This event is produced in partnership with the Centers for Occupational and Environmental Health at UC Berkeley, UC Davis, and UC Los Angeles. 

Center for Occupational and Environmental Health
UC Davis Health School of Medicine