CPFM Smoke Management & Air Quality

Question 1

What meteorological condition is most favorable for smoke dispersal during a prescribed burn?

Accepted Answer

High mixing height with strong transport winds aloft

Answer

Temperature inversion near the surface

Answer

Calm winds with high relative humidity

Answer

Stable atmospheric stratification

Question 2

What is a temperature inversion in the context of prescribed fire smoke management?

Accepted Answer

A layer of warm air above cooler air that traps smoke near the ground

Answer

When surface temperatures exceed normal seasonal averages

Answer

A rapid increase in wind speed with altitude

Answer

A sudden drop in atmospheric pressure ahead of a cold front

Question 3

Which pollutant from prescribed fire smoke is the primary concern for human health?

Accepted Answer

Fine particulate matter (PM2.5)

Answer

Carbon dioxide (CO2)

Answer

Nitrogen oxides (NOx)

Answer

Sulfur dioxide (SO2)

Question 4

What does 'mixing height' refer to in smoke management?

Accepted Answer

The altitude to which convective mixing extends in the atmosphere

Answer

The maximum flame height a fire can produce

Answer

The height of the visible smoke column above the fire

Answer

The minimum cloud ceiling required for safe aerial ignition

Question 5

Which prescribed burn technique typically produces the most smoke per acre due to slower, more smoldering combustion?

Accepted Answer

Backfire (burning against the wind)

Answer

Headfire (burning with the wind)

Answer

Flank fire (burning perpendicular to wind)

Answer

Aerial ignition with helitorch

Question 6

What is the Ventilation Index (VI) used to estimate in smoke management?

Accepted Answer

The atmosphere's capacity to dilute and transport smoke away from a burn

Answer

Oxygen levels at the fire perimeter during active burning

Answer

Relative humidity of the smoke column at canopy height

Answer

The rate at which smoke particles deposit on the ground

Question 7

What time of day is generally LEAST suitable for igniting a prescribed burn due to smoke management concerns?

Accepted Answer

Early morning before the atmospheric mixing layer has developed

Answer

Mid-afternoon when surface temperatures peak

Answer

Late morning after dew has burned off the fuels

Answer

Early afternoon when surface winds are typically strongest