September 14, 2024 Sandra Kinney # Cooperative Smoke Message for Prescribed Fire
Prescribed fire is an important tool for both the forestry and agricultural communities. Fire benefits the ecosystem by decreasing or slowing diseases, stimulating growth, and reducing the potential for severe wildfires. Prescribed burning only occurs when it is allowed by fire and smoke management authorities.
Smoke is a byproduct of all sources of fire. Therefore, when managing smoke, a number of factors are considered to determine if prescribed fire will be allowed. These include:
- the number of fires burning or planned in the area
- the amount of smoke already in the airshed
- the current and projected weather and air quality conditions
- coordination between agencies and other landowners that conduct and/or manage prescribed fire
It’s important to know that local and regional fires affect air quality. Smoke can travel long distances, so fires in other areas can impact our air. Our agencies work together to manage smoke from prescribed fire and share information with the public.