A lot of people wouldn’t know this but an “air resource
advisor” is often deployed to large, catastrophic wildfires. Air resource
advisors (ARAs) are technical specialists with expertise in air quality
science. The position came about from the partnering of multiple state,
federal, and tribal agencies that recognized the need to be proactive about
smoke impacts on communities.
ARAs are trained in smoke modeling, air quality monitoring,
health risks from smoke, and impact mitigation. During a wildfire incident,
they set up shop at the fire camp and communicate in-depth smoke impact
information and forecasts to fire incident teams, air quality regulators (us
here at DEQ), and the public. When fire season gets in full swing, you may see
some ARA publications put on this site. It usually includes an update on the
size of the fire and response, what to expect from smoke, and the forecasted
weather near the fire. Keep an eye out for them!
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