Inhaled

There’s a familiar scent in the air each fire season across Northern California, one that carries more than just the smell of burning timber. Inhaled, a five-part mini-series from NorCal Community Newspapers, moves beyond the headlines of wildfires to examine what lingers long after the flames are out. Reporter Robin Epley guides this exploration, focusing on the complex and often overlooked health consequences for communities engulfed by toxic smoke. While some impacts are documented, many questions about long-term effects remain unanswered, leaving residents in a haze of uncertainty. This podcast digs into those lingering unknowns, sharing personal stories and expert insights to paint a clearer picture of the ongoing struggle. It’s a timely and necessary listen for anyone living in fire-prone regions or concerned about environmental health. The series is designed to stand alone but also complements deeper reporting available through the Chico Enterprise-Record. For a grounded, human-centered look at a crisis that repeats each year, Inhaled offers a quiet space to consider what we’re really breathing in and what it might mean for our future.