EPA Research Partner Support Story: Wildfire Smoke Air Monitoring Response Technology Pilot
Partner: State, local and Tribal air organizations
Challenge: In many areas affected by wildfire smoke, air monitoring data may be limited or absent
Resource: EPA is loaning air monitoring technologies to help organizations assess smoke impacts and provide public health information with timely data
Project Period: September 2021 – Present
The growing threat of wildfires and related smoke impacts is a public health concern in the United States. In many areas affected by wildfire smoke, air monitoring data may be limited or absent. Supplemental measurement technologies can help air monitoring organizations gather timely data to assess smoke impacts and provide public health information.
“Before WSMART, we only had monitoring for ozone near our area. Because of this, we would look on AIRNow, and it said our air quality was good though we were able to see smoke in the air. In 2022, we received four PM2.5 sensors from WSMART which gave us real-time data in our area and helped us distribute accurate information about smoke impacts to the tribal community.” – Fallon Pauite-Shoshone Tribe’s Environmental Protection Department Environmental Specialist Sonia Corleto
To increase supplemental air monitoring data during wildfires, EPA ORD launched the Wildfire Smoke Air Monitoring Response Technology (WSMART) Pilot in September 2021. WSMART has made specific air monitoring technologies available for loan to state, local and Tribal air organizations. The current systems available upon request are two stationary sampling air sensor systems and a portable system called the Vehicle Add-On Mobile Monitoring System (VAMMS).
EPA loans the air measurement devices directly to state, local, and Tribal air organizations to support supplemental air monitoring in areas affected by wildfire smoke and with observational data coverage gaps. EPA also loans monitors to the Interagency Wildland Fire Air Quality Response Program for use by Air Resource Advisors (ARAs) who work with Incident Management Teams at major wildfires. ARAs coordinate with state, local, and Tribal organizations to share information regarding wildfire smoke conditions and coordinate public messaging.
Since the program’s launch over 50 recipients have used WSMART monitoring technology to address the smoke impacts from over 30 wildfires across 12 states. The WSMART program has and continues to support air quality government organizations at the frontline of wildfire smoke response become better equipped to assess smoke conditions and protect public health during wildfires.
Eligible organizations can make requests for air monitoring equipment through the WSMART Pilot page.