Public smoke exposure
Courtesy of Bruce Palmer
Smoke exposure and public safety
Identify what permits, if any, are needed, usually at the city or county level. Identify smoke sensitive receptors, including population centers, recreation areas, hospitals, airports, transportation corridors, nursing homes, schools, non-attainment areas and Class I areas that may be impacted. Virtually every prescribed fire can adversely impact the public. Minimize smoke impacts to sensitive receptors by burning only when atmospheric conditions are conductive to good smoke dispersal. Smoke management should be a major component of every prescribed burn plan.
Prescribed burners must also develop proper holding and contingency plans that recognize public safety as a high priority. In addition, escaped prescribed burns can threaten and destroy property and displace residents, visitors and special events. These two elements when properly addressed in the planning phase, can provide needed safeguards for the public.