Core Viewpoint - The traditional belief that wildfires in the western United States worsen air quality across the country is challenged by new research, which indicates that these wildfires may actually lead to a decrease in PM2.5 concentrations in the eastern United States, offsetting the increases in the west [3][5]. Group 1: Research Findings - A study published in the journal Science reveals that extreme wildfires in the western U.S. lead to a rise in PM2.5 levels locally, but simultaneously cause a decrease in PM2.5 levels in the eastern U.S., effectively canceling each other out [3][5]. - The research attributes this unexpected effect to heat convection caused by wildfires, which weakens the transport of smoke to the east and enhances the wet deposition of air pollutants [5][7]. - Ignoring the heat generated by wildfires could lead to an overestimation of their health impacts, with the study estimating an additional 1,200 premature deaths and $3.3 billion in economic losses attributed to PM2.5 in the densely populated eastern U.S. [5][7]. Group 2: Implications - The findings highlight a previously overlooked connection between localized heat sources and large-scale climate effects, suggesting a need for a revised understanding of wildfire impacts [7]. - Considering the heat generated by wildfires could facilitate cross-regional cooperation in fire management and provide a more scientific basis for climate predictions [7].