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

A high mixing height combined with good transport winds allows smoke to disperse both vertically and horizontally, reducing ground-level concentrations.

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

A temperature inversion traps smoke near the ground because the overlying warm air layer prevents upward mixing, creating hazardous air quality conditions.

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

Fine particulate matter (PM2.5)

Answer

PM2.5 particles are small enough to penetrate deep into the lungs and are the primary health concern from wildfire and prescribed fire smoke.

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

The altitude to which convective mixing extends in the atmosphere

Answer

Mixing height is the altitude to which the atmosphere is well-mixed due to convective activity, determining how high smoke can rise and disperse.

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

Backfires burn more slowly and involve more smoldering combustion, generating more smoke per unit of fuel consumed compared to fast-moving headfires.

CPFM - Certified Prescribed Fire Manager Practice Test

CPFM - Certified Prescribed Fire Manager Practice Test

CPFM Smoke Management & Air Quality