NASA taps UTA for wildfire smoke warning system
Project will enhance air quality forecasting, providing real-time smoke alerts and health information
University of Texas at Arlington
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University of Texas at Arlington researcher Yunyao Li has been selected by NASA to develop a system that gives communities early warning when wildfire smoke may make the air unsafe to breathe.
“Our project aims to enhance wildfire air quality forecasting capabilities and develop tools that advance decision-making processes related to wildfire air quality and health management,” said Dr. Li, assistant professor in UT Arlington’s Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences and co-principal investigator of the grant from NASA’s Science Mission Directorate Earth Science Division.
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University of Texas at Arlington researcher Yunyao Li has been selected by NASA to develop a system that gives communities early warning when wildfire smoke may make the air unsafe to breathe.
“Our project aims to enhance wildfire air quality forecasting capabilities and develop tools that advance decision-making processes related to wildfire air quality and health management,” said Dr. Li, assistant professor in UT Arlington’s Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences and co-principal investigator of the grant from NASA’s Science Mission Directorate Earth Science Division.
Wildfires are a major source of hazardous air pollution. Research shows that exposure to wildfire smoke can lead to long-term respiratory problems and even death—and the health risks aren’t confined to areas near the fire. Smoke can drift hundreds of miles, affecting communities far from the source. In June 2023, wildfires in Quebec caused severe air pollution as far away as New York City and Washington, D.C.
Large wildfires are becoming more frequent across the United States, exposing millions to unhealthy air. While air quality forecasting can reduce the harm caused by wildfire smoke, it remains a challenge due to unpredictable emission rates, shifting smoke patterns and changing weather conditions.
Related: NASA taps UTA to shape future of autonomous aviation
“Wildfires are becoming more and more of a threat in many parts of the U.S. and abroad, and accurate air quality forecasting is critical to protecting the health of people who might feel the effects of these fires far from their origin,” said Arne Winguth, professor and chair of the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences. “This study will help provide valuable tools to enhance these forecasting capabilities.”
Li is working with co-investigators from New York University, the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory and Kaiser Permanente Northern California Division of Research, with additional collaborators from NASA, NOAA, the EPA and the U.S. Forest Service.
Related: UTA to lead NASA wildfire grant
“This system will leverage Earth observations to develop a sophisticated model-weighting technique, thereby enhancing current air quality forecast capabilities,” Li said.
Next, the team will use the forecasting system to collaborate with key stakeholders in developing products and solutions that support informed decisions about air quality and public health.
Among the tangible benefits are a fire smoke visualization tool and patient-centric messaging system to improve real-time communication of air quality risks. The tool will also contribute forecasts to the EPA’s AirNow program, enhancing the agency’s ability to deliver accurate and timely information to the public.
— Greg Pederson, College of Science
New report provides critical support for Arizona wildfire and post-fire flood response
Knowing where to turn for help in the wake of a wildfire can feel overwhelming. With wildfires affecting an increasing number of communities throughout Arizona, residents need clear guidance and actionable steps to recover. The good news? There is a new resource for the Arizonans—"After Wildfire: A Guide for Arizona Communities”—designed to support individuals and communities as they navigate the aftermath of these devastating events.
This comprehensive guidebook on community disaster recovery was produced through a combined effort by NAU’s School of Forestry, the Southwest Fire Science Consortium, Arizona Wildfire Initiative, Forest Stewards Guild and Eliza Kretzmann Consulting. It’s available to view and download for free on the Southwest Fire Science Consortium website.
With insights from fire and emergency management leaders, utility administrators and municipal officials across the state, “After Wildfire: A Guide for Arizona Communities” is an essential resource for anyone impacted by wildland fire.
“We developed this guide in response to a clear need in Arizona,” said Andi Thode, director of the Arizona Wildfire Initiative in the School of Forestry at NAU, which funded the project. “Other states have similar resources that serve as vital clearinghouses of information before, during and after wildfire events.”
Whether you are a homeowner, volunteer, local official or someone directly impacted by a fire or post-fire flooding, this guide contains a comprehensive set of resources from financial assistance to safety advice for people and animals in addition to emotional support for individuals and families navigating recovery.
“‘After Wildfire: A Guide for Arizona Communities’ fills a critical gap in post-wildfire recovery by providing communities with a centralized, easy-to-navigate resource that brings clarity during a time of chaos,” said Gabe Lavine, director of the Arizona Division of Emergency Management. “We’ll recommend the guide to local governments, emergency managers and other officials as they navigate recovery, funding and long-term resilience efforts after a wildfire. It’s a valuable tool that empowers Arizonans to take informed action during some of their most difficult days.”
Holger Durre, chief of the Prescott Fire Department, said one of the guide’s greatest strengths is its emphasis on preparing residents before disaster strikes rather than waiting until a wildfire or emergency is already underway.
“In the post-fire phase, this guide will be crucial—offering clear, actionable information at a time when individuals and families need it most,” Durre said. “Its immense value lies in how it brings together multiple complex topics—insurance, erosion control, emotional recovery, financial aid and more—into one easy-to-use, accessible resource.”
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