Susana Barrón

Pedro Martinez, a farmworker who works 20 minutes northwest of Los Angeles County. (Susana Barrón)

Walking slowly through orange trees covered in ash, Pedro Martinez, a farmworker who works 20 minutes northwest of Los Angeles County, shared, "There was no visibility for three miles due to the smoke." 

This grove, alongside others cultivating citrus, stone fruits, avocados, nuts and various vegetables, typically sends about 85% of its harvest worldwide, in addition to local distribution in Southern California.

The presence of wildfire smoke and ash poses a unique challenge. It forms a barrier on leaves, blocking sunlight, and can alter the flavor of sensitive fruits like grapes. Given the proximity of Martinez’s workplace to the Hughes Fire—less than 20 miles—the impact is particularly severe, made worse by smoke that can drift for hundreds, even thousands, of miles

Martinez points out another grave concern: “The contamination has affected the ozone layer,” a reflection of the broader climate crisis exacerbating weather extremes and the frequency of wildfires. In addition to smoke traveling far distances, it can drift in the stratosphere for over a year, potentially eroding the protective ozone layer which protects the Earth from the sun's harmful ultraviolet rays.

The simultaneous occurrence of the Hughes fire near Santa Clarita and the Laguna fire in Ventura County worsened risks for outdoor workers like Martinez. While California mandates N95 masks for such workers when air quality drops, this protective measure is often not enough. Even a single intense exposure to smoke and particulates can lead to chronic heart and lung problems. 

The Hughes fire nears full containment, but the environmental impact on nearby farms and farmworkers is only starting. The presence of wildfire smoke and ash poses a unique challenge.

After a wildfire clears and blue skies return, smaller airborne pollutants such as volatile organic compounds, lead and asbestos can persist in the air for days or weeks, posing ongoing health hazards. 

Work stoppages due to poor air quality or dangerous conditions often mean lost wages for workers like Martinez, who notes, "Sometimes we do, sometimes we don't," as he shared that missed work due to natural disasters sometimes means lost wages. 

This financial instability is especially harsh for many undocumented workers in agriculture, who, despite significantly contributing to California's economy—46% of the state’s agricultural value, according to a recent study—are ineligible for unemployment benefits.

PEDRO MARTINEZ 1.jpg

The presence of wildfire smoke and ash from the Hughes fire poses a unique challenge for farmworkers. 

Nonprofits such as 805UndocuFund in the Central Coast and Inclusive Action for the City in Los Angeles provide financial assistance to some undocumented residents impacted by the fires.  

“A lot of resources are available to you when you have a Social Security number... but if you don’t, a lot of doors close for you,” says Primitiva Hernandez, executive director of 805UndocuFund. 

“Throughout the Central Coast, we've disbursed over $8 million in disaster relief over the last six years, " Hernandez added. With California being home to more undocumented immigrants than any other state, nonprofits face considerable challenges, especially in the distribution of disaster aid.

The frequent wildfires across Los Angeles and nearby Ventura County are reminders how closely communities are linked—disasters don't stop at county borders. Every day, 60,000 workers commute between these two counties, highlighting just how widespread the impact of wildfires can be. These devastating fires harm the land, disrupt jobs and affect wages, presenting significant challenges for those who work outdoors.

PEDRO MARTINEZ 200.jpg

This grove, alongside others cultivating citrus, stone fruits, avocados, nuts and various vegetables, typically sends about 85% of its harvest worldwide

(0) comments

Welcome to the discussion.

Keep it Clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language.
PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
Don't Threaten. Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated.
Be Truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone or anything.
Be Nice. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism that is degrading to another person.
Be Proactive. Use the 'Report' link on each comment to let us know of abusive posts.
Share with Us. We'd love to hear eyewitness accounts, the history behind an article.