From Barriers to Solutions: Exploring Knowledge and Health Protective Behaviours of Wildland Firefighters in Queensland, Australia

Wildfires are an escalating natural hazard in Australia and a growing public health concern. Exposure to wildfire smoke is associated with acute and chronic adverse health effects, placing wildland firefighters at elevated risk due to recurrent occupational exposure. Although protective behaviours and personal protective equipment (PPE) are recommended, uptake remains inconsistent due to operational and behavioural barriers. This descriptive qualitative study applied the Health Belief Model to explore firefighters’ risk awareness, protective practices, motivators, and barriers. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with eleven wildland firefighters in Southeast Queensland, Australia. Participants demonstrated strong awareness of short-term health effects, informed by personal experience, but limited understanding of long-term health risks. Compliance with mandatory PPE (clothing, gloves, boots, helmets) was high and motivated by prevention of immediate injury. However, respiratory protective equipment use was inconsistent due to discomfort, poor fit, communication difficulties, and operational constraints. Additional barriers to health protective behaviours included limited decontamination access and inequities in PPE design, particularly for women. Participants identified improved health education, practical PPE options, and further research as priorities for strengthening occupational health protection. Addressing these barriers through improved knowledge translation, organisational support, and approaches such as cultural burning may reduce exposure and improve workforce health.