Unexpected Smoke: What's The Cause?

There are many reasons why there might be smoke in your area. One of the most common causes is wildfires, which can produce large areas of smoke that can travel over long distances. This smoke can be harmful to human health, and it is important to stay informed about the air quality in your area. Interactive maps, such as AirNow, provide ground-level air quality data and can be used to track smoke from wildfires. Other causes of smoke could include industrial activities, agricultural burning, or controlled burns for land management purposes.

Wildfires in the US and Mexico

Wildfires are a common occurrence in the US and Mexico, with smoke from these fires often causing air quality issues in both countries. In 2024, Mexico reported 68 active wildfires that burned over a quarter of a million acres, sending smoke northward towards Texas, Louisiana, and the Gulf Coast. This led to reduced air quality readings across the southern US, with states like Texas and Florida experiencing haze and poor visibility.

Similarly, wildfires in the US have impacted Mexico and Canada. In 2020, Mexican firefighters joined their US counterparts in California to battle the SQF Complex Fire in the Sequoia National Forest, marking a 25-year collaboration between the two countries. This partnership began in 1998 when Mexico experienced its worst wildfire season, and the US provided support through a joint response and knowledge-sharing. Wildfires in Canada have also triggered air quality alerts in the northern US, with smoke occasionally drifting towards the US due to wind patterns.

The smoke from these wildfires can have far-reaching impacts, affecting air quality and the health of residents in both countries. It is essential for individuals in affected areas to stay informed about air quality alerts and take necessary precautions to protect their health. Additionally, the collaboration between the US and Mexico in wildfire management demonstrates the importance of cross-border cooperation in addressing shared environmental challenges.

While wildfires are a natural part of the ecosystem, their increasing frequency and intensity due to factors like drought and climate change pose significant challenges for communities and the environment. The 2023 wildfire season in Canada, for example, burned over 45 million acres, and officials anticipated an extreme season in 2024 due to severe drought conditions. This highlights the need for continued efforts in wildfire prevention, management, and adaptation strategies to protect communities and natural resources.

Forest fires in Canada

Forest fires are a common occurrence in Canada, with over 8,000 wildland fires burning an average of more than 2.1 million hectares annually. The 2023 wildfire season was particularly severe, with 6,623 wildland fires burning an area of over 15 million hectares, about 5% of Canada's entire forest area. This season saw the most area burned in Canada's recorded history, surpassing the previous records held by the 1989, 1995, and 2014 fire seasons. The fires affected all 13 provinces and territories, with large fires in Alberta, British Columbia, the Northwest Territories, Nova Scotia, Ontario, and Quebec.

There are various causes of forest fires in Canada. Lightning-caused fires account for about 85% of the land burned, often occurring in clusters in remote locations. The remaining fires are human-caused, often sparked by things like discarded cigarette butts, abandoned campfires, sparks from trains or off-road vehicles, and land-clearing activities. While arson gained some traction on social media, it is generally a minor cause of wildfires in the country. Forest management practices, such as the accumulation of dry vegetation due to fire suppression and the decreased use of controlled burns, can also contribute to the severity of wildfires.

The Canadian government has implemented several strategies to address the growing number and complexity of wildland fires. The Canadian Council of Forest Ministers (CCFM) developed the Canadian Wildland Fire Prevention and Mitigation Strategy, which involves collaboration with various levels of government, Indigenous representatives, academia, and industry to enhance wildfire prevention and resilience. The Canadian Wildland Fire Information System (CWFIS) plays a crucial role in monitoring fire danger conditions and fire occurrence across Canada. It utilizes daily weather conditions, satellites, and reported fire locations to create fire weather and behavior maps. Additionally, the Canadian Forest Service (CFS) conducts internationally recognized wildland fire science and technology development, and the Fighting and Managing Wildfires in a Changing Climate program provides funding for firefighter training and equipment.

The 2023 wildfires in Canada had significant impacts on the environment, communities, and individuals. The emissions from the fires were estimated to be more than double Canada's planned emissions reductions from 2020 to 2030, contributing to the "vicious cycle" of warming and increased wildfire risk. The fires led to the displacement of 185,000 to 232,000 people, including evacuations in cities like Halifax, Nova Scotia. Tragically, there were also several fatalities, including firefighters and a hospital patient during the evacuation of Yellowknife. The international community provided aid, with firefighters travelling from countries like the United States, France, Spain, Portugal, and Australia to assist in fire control efforts.

Air quality alerts

There are several online resources that provide air quality alerts and information. For example, AirNow.gov offers an interactive Air Quality Index (AQI) map that displays ground-level air quality data for the United States. The map uses sensors to indicate the air quality at a particular location, with updates provided daily at 10 am Eastern Time. The AQI is colour-coded to indicate whether the air quality is healthy or unhealthy, or somewhere in between. This allows users to quickly assess the air quality in their area and take appropriate actions to protect their health.

Another resource is the Wildfire Smoke Map provided by USAToday, which offers hourly updates on wildfire and smoke information across the United States. This map incorporates data from various sources, including the Wildland Fire Interagency Geospatial Service (WFIGS) and the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre (CIFFC). It provides detailed information on the locations of wildfires and the direction in which the smoke is moving, helping residents in nearby areas to stay informed and take necessary precautions.

Additionally, resources like FireSmoke.ca offer smoke forecasting tutorials to help individuals understand the potential impact of wildfires on their local air quality. By understanding these alerts and utilizing available resources, individuals can take proactive measures to protect their health and well-being during periods of poor air quality.

It is important to note that individuals who are unusually sensitive to air pollution may experience health effects even when air quality is deemed acceptable. Therefore, staying informed about air quality alerts and taking appropriate precautions can help minimize potential health risks associated with wildfire smoke and other sources of air pollution.

Smoke plume locations

The HMS has been used to study smoke plumes over North America, specifically during the summer months (June to September) when certain states experience an increased number of smoke plumes. For instance, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Minnesota have been found to have the highest number of smoke plume days during this period, with Fargo, North Dakota, being the location with the most smoke plumes.

In addition to HMS, there are other tools available to track smoke plume locations. The AirNow Fire and Smoke Map is an interactive map that provides information on ground-level air quality monitors recording fine particulates (PM2.5) from smoke. It also offers details on fire locations, smoke plume movement, and any special statements about smoke issued by various sources. This map is a collaborative effort between the U.S. Forest Service-led Interagency Wildland Fire Air Quality Response Program (IWFAQRP) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Smoke plumes can have far-reaching impacts, as demonstrated by an incident on May 30, 2001, when a smoke plume from fires in Alberta, Canada, travelled downstream, eventually stretching from James Bay in Canada through central New York and into the Atlantic Ocean. Similarly, forest fires in Quebec, Canada, on July 6, 2002, resulted in a hazy, smoky day across parts of central New York and eastern Pennsylvania. These examples illustrate how smoke plumes can cross borders and affect air quality in distant locations.

Health risks of smoke

Smoke in your area could be due to wildfires, as seen in some regions of the US, Canada, and Mexico. It is important to be cautious of the health risks associated with smoke exposure, especially for those in sensitive groups.

Smoke is composed of gases and fine particles (particulate matter or PM) that can be harmful when inhaled. These particles can travel deeply into the respiratory tract, reaching the lungs. Exposure to smoke can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat, causing a sore throat, coughing, and wheezing. It can also lead to shortness of breath, nausea, and headaches. For those with pre-existing respiratory conditions, smoke can worsen symptoms, triggering asthma attacks and exacerbating lung diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), bronchitis, and emphysema. Smoke can also aggravate heart conditions, including angina, coronary artery disease, and heart failure. Studies have shown that smoke exposure can lead to temporary changes in lung and heart function, making breathing more difficult and reducing alertness.

Frequent or extended exposure to smoke, even for brief periods, increases the risk of long-term health effects. Research on wildland firefighters has indicated a potential cumulative effect of smoke exposure on lung function, with some studies reporting a progressive decline during burn seasons. Additionally, there is evidence of a higher rate of cancer, lung disease, and cardiovascular disease among individuals frequently exposed to smoke.

It is crucial to limit exposure to smoky areas and reduce physical exertion when high levels of smoke cannot be avoided. Sensitive groups, including children, teenagers, older adults, pregnant individuals, and those with existing heart or respiratory conditions, are at higher risk of experiencing health issues due to smoke. If you must be in smoky environments for extended periods, proper respiratory protection, such as well-fitting masks (N95 or KN95), can help reduce exposure to harmful particles and gases. Keeping indoor air clean by using air conditioning or creating a low-cost clean air fan with a fan-filter combination is also recommended.

If you experience any symptoms such as shortness of breath, heart palpitations, unusual fatigue, or respiratory issues, it is important to contact your healthcare provider.

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