Smoke management: Introduction

Smoke is a byproduct of combustion. It can hamper crew effectiveness, damage property, cause vehicle accidents and stress livestock. Smoke is composed mostly of water vapor, carbon, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and fine particulate matter. High levels of fine particulate matter are likely to affect smoke sensitive populations. Smoke management is an important consideration in prescribed burn planning, as the person who lights the fire also assumes responsibility for effects of the smoke as well as the fire.

The same factors of the fire environment that affect fire behavior also affect smoke behavior. Topography can cause smoke to funnel or accumulate in certain locations. Fuel type and condition influence the amount of smoke produced. By far the strongest factor in smoke behavior is weather. Recent weather that has maintained green or wet fuels will result in more smoke. High humidity and low temperatures during a burn increase smoke production. Weather conditions also determine how and where smoke travels.