Air resource advisors' role during wildfires

Air resource advisors Andrea Holland and Carolyn Kelly assist with fires in Arizona. USDA Forest Service photo.

OREGON—Whether fighting fires, deciding to evacuate or taking a morning run, determining relevant smoke hazards is incredibly important during wildfire season. That is why Pacific Northwest Research Station scientists train and certify air resource advisors in the latest tools to produce daily smoke forecasts, or “outlooks.”

Air resource advisors are technical specialists with expertise in air quality science, including air quality monitoring, smoke modeling and health safety thresholds for airborne pollutants. They measure wind speed and direction, air particulate matter, and smoke plumes. During a wildfire, they focus on how smoke affects public health and safety, transportation safety (roads and aviation), as well as fire personnel’s exposure to smoke.

Air resource advisors Gary Curcio and Janice Peterson assist with fires in Washington. USDA Forest Service photo.

Local incident management teams and emergency response services use the information to help people who may be affected by smoky conditions. State and federal agencies use the information to populate daily air quality blogs and the AirNow Fire and Smoke Map and mobile app. Air resource advisors also share the information with health departments, county governments and tribes.

The primary tool of air resource advisors is the Environmental Beta Attenuation Monitor, or E-BAM. The measurements from the monitor are transmitted via satellite to multiple websites where they are shared widely.

In 2019, the success of the air resource program was recognized by Congress in the John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act. The act helps fund the program and promotes the use of air resource advisors on wildland fire incidents. In 2020, more than 65 million people lived in areas served by an air resource advisor who produced smoke outlooks. To learn more, please visit the Wildland Fire Air Quality Response Program.

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