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EPA and Forest Service update Fire and Smoke Map to provide enhanced air quality information

October 3, 2024

EPA and Forest Service announce Fire and Smoke map improvements

On September 5, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service revealed an updated version of the AirNow Fire and Smoke Map.

The improvements are aimed at providing residents across the United States with better access to air quality and wildfire smoke data.

As reported by the U.S. Fire Administration, this tool delivers information on fire locations, smoke patterns, air quality, and protective actions to help people reduce exposure to wildfire smoke.

The updated map incorporates data from multiple sources, including permanent and temporary air quality monitors, as well as nearly 15,000 low-cost sensors that track fine particle pollution.

The system presents the data using the U.S. Air Quality Index’s color-coded scale, making it easier for the public to understand the current air conditions in their area.

New features in the Fire and Smoke Map

The enhanced version of the Fire and Smoke Map includes several new features.

Users can now access detailed air quality information, including data on coarse particle pollution and ozone levels, which tend to increase during wildfires.

The system also provides more extensive data on individual wildland fires, including fire type and activity levels when this information is available.

Additionally, collaboration with Environment and Climate Change Canada has expanded the map’s coverage to include data from low-cost fine particle sensors in Canada.

This cross-border data aims to offer a more comprehensive picture of wildfire smoke conditions in North America.

Accessing the Fire and Smoke Map

The AirNow Fire and Smoke Map is accessible through the AirNow website and is integrated into the AirNow smartphone app.

Users can access the map by selecting the smoke icon in the app, which is available for download in both the Apple App Store and Google Play.

The updated map has been redesigned to load more quickly and offers a new user-friendly interface.

Residents using the map can view real-time information on air quality, helping them make informed decisions to protect their health during wildfire events.

This tool is part of ongoing efforts by the EPA and the Forest Service to mitigate the public health impacts of wildfire smoke across the country.

Wildfire smoke and health risks

The fine particle pollution tracked by the Fire and Smoke Map is a major contributor to air quality concerns during wildfire events.

These particles, known as PM2.5, can penetrate deep into the lungs, posing risks to respiratory and cardiovascular health.

The map’s ability to provide localized air quality data is crucial for those living near wildfire-prone areas, where air quality can fluctuate rapidly.

By offering clear, easily accessible data, the EPA and the Forest Service aim to empower individuals to take preventive actions, such as staying indoors or using air filtration devices, when the air quality deteriorates due to wildfire smoke.

The map’s detailed fire information also allows users to track specific fires in their region.

Updated Fire and Smoke Map offers enhanced wildfire smoke data for U.S. residents: Summary

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Forest Service announced the release of an updated AirNow Fire and Smoke Map, offering improved features for tracking wildfire smoke and air quality.

The tool incorporates data from multiple sources, including nearly 15,000 low-cost sensors and monitors in both the U.S. and Canada.

The new version also provides information on coarse particle pollution, ozone levels, and detailed fire data, improving the public’s ability to respond to wildfire smoke events.

The map is available on the AirNow website and app, with a user-friendly interface designed for quick loading.

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