Wildland Fires and Smoke

Air Quality Awareness Week begins today and the first topic is Wildland Fires and Smoke.

Wildfire smoke carries large amounts of particulates and gases that may act as ozone precursors and can lead to exceedances of National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for both fine particulate matter and ozone. Smoke is lofted high into the air by the heat produced and can be transported by winds far from its origin. The smoke will cool depending on the current weather conditions and may rapidly descend or remain aloft. Air quality will be negatively impacted if it descends and reaches the surface.

The Air Quality Bureau recorded 33 exceedances of the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) between May 18 - 31, 2023. Smoke from wildfires in Northern Canada contributed to 32 ozone exceedances and one fine particulate matter (PM2.5) exceedance. Iowa has averaged less than four ozone exceedances per year over the last five years previous to this event. 

EPA, the U.S. Forest Service, and other federal, state and community agencies and organizations are working together to share ways you can help protect your health from any type of wildland fire smoke. They have developed the AirNow Fire and Smoke Map to provide the public information on fire locations, smoke plumes, near real-time air quality and protective actions to take—all in one place. You can view the Fire and Smoke Map at https://fire.airnow.gov/ or in the AirNow mobile app. #AQAW2024