FIRE EFFECTS GUIDE - National Wildfire Coordinating Group

Higher temperatures generated by mass fire cause smoke to rise to a
greater height above terrain than if a line ignition is used.
(7) Use a backing fire. The slow rate of spread and long residence time
result in a higher fraction of fuel consumption in the flaming stage of
combustion rather than in the smoldering stage. Since total smoke
production per unit of fuel burned is considerably less during flaming
combustion, backing fires favor lower total smoke production.
(8) The volume of smoke in a geographic area must be considered
when making management decisions about prescribed burns,
prescribed natural fires, or wildfires.
b. Prescribed fire.
(1) Burn other than in the "traditional" late summer and fall season. The
impact on the air resource can be spread over a longer period, thereby
reducing the possibility of a heavy smoke load on a particular day. Be
careful of night burns because predicting smoke drift is more difficult,
although night burning can be successful if properly planned and
implemented.
(2) Burn fuel concentrations, piles, landings, and jackpots outside of the
prescribed burning season. This increases the number of units that can
be burned without overloading the airshed on days with good dispersal
conditions.
(3) Public criticism of a burn program can be decreased by limiting its
impact on recreational users. Avoid burning on days when smoke may
affect Class I Areas and heavily visited recreational areas, or on
holidays when many visitors may be using public lands.
(4) Using prescribed natural fire requires close monitoring of fuel
loadings, fuel moistures, normal weather patterns, and down wind
receptors in the area that may be affected by smoke drift.
(5) For prescribed natural fires, daily certification that the fire remains in
prescription must include an assessment of smoke dispersal.
3. Participation in State and Local Smoke Management Programs.
State and some local air quality agencies have mandatory smoke