Maui Wildfire Metals Study and the 3 Alpha Sierra Fire in Broward

Today's news is mostly about what wildfires leave behind: a study on lingering metal exposure in Maui, a fire burning in the Florida Everglades, and new rules shaping how Californians recover after a blaze.

Maui study finds toxic metals lingered long after the fires

Researchers with the Maui Wildfire Exposure Study tested the urine of 1,400 adults six to 18 months after the August 2023 fires and found substantially elevated levels of metals including arsenic, cadmium, copper and antimony, STAT reports. The study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, linked higher metal levels to abnormal lung function.

The researchers say the metals likely came from burned buildings, vehicles and electronics. "My biggest takeaway is not to assume the health consequences of a disaster end when the smoke disappears," co-author Ruben Juarez told Gizmodo, adding that short-term air monitoring may not tell the whole story after a fire that burns through a community.

3 Alpha Sierra fire burns 330 acres in western Broward County

A wildfire in the Everglades and the Francis S. Taylor Wildlife Management Area had burned 330 acres and was 16% contained as of the evening of Sept. 28, according to the Florida Forest Service, the Naples Daily News reports. South Florida came off an unusually hot, dry summer, and more than 2,900 wildfires have started in Florida since January.

If smoke drifts your way, closing windows and running a filter indoors is a sensible step.

Fuel economy standards rolled back

The Transportation Department finalized a rule revoking Biden-era fuel economy standards, lowering the 2031 fleet target from 50.4 to 34.9 miles per gallon, Gizmodo reports. Environmental groups estimate the change means U.S. vehicles will put out more carbon dioxide and smog-forming pollution each year by 2035.

PG&E rolls out new wildfire response engines

PG&E introduced new engines Monday for crews that pretreat utility poles during wildfires, The Mercury News reports. The company says the work helps keep power on and roads clear for evacuees and firefighters. The crews are made up of former firefighters and work under the command of fire agencies on the scene.

Newsom signs some fire insurance reforms, vetoes others

Gov. Gavin Newsom signed bills that double penalties for unfair claims practices during declared emergencies and require clearer notice before a homeowner policy is dropped, the Los Angeles Times reports. He vetoed two bills aimed at claims-handling complaints from victims of the January 2025 fires, including one that would have required insurers to share their adjusters' original loss estimates.

Sources

Risk from toxic metals can persist months after wildfires, Maui study finds — STAT
Scientists Find Threat of Toxic Metal Exposure Lingers Long After a Wildfire Goes Out — Gizmodo
Broward County wildfire grows to over 300 acres — Naples Daily News
Trump's Transportation Dept. Rolls Back Fuel Efficiency Standards Despite Surging Gas Prices — Gizmodo
PG&E launches new wildfire response engines — The Mercury News
Newsom vetoes reform bills arising out of 2025 firestorms — Los Angeles Times

Canairy aggregates publicly reported air-quality and wildfire news and summarizes it in plain English, with links to the original sources. This is educational information, not medical or emergency advice. In a wildfire or air-quality emergency, follow guidance from local authorities.