A comparison of smoke modelling tools used to mitigate air quality impacts from prescribed burning

Background Prescribed fire is a land management tool used extensively across the United States. Owing to health and safety risks, smoke emitted by burns requires appropriate management. Smoke modelling tools are often mitigate air pollution impacts. However, direct comparisons of tools’ predictions lacking.Aims We compared three commonly plan prescribed burning projects: Simple Screening Tool, VSmoke HYSPLIT.Methods each model dispersion from conducted North Carolina Division Parks Recreation over year. assessed similarity among predicted fields, areas concern potential population impacts.Key results The total area differs thousands square kilometres and, as such, spatial agreement was low. When translated into numbers residents potentially exposed smoke, estimates can vary an order magnitude.Conclusions Our analysis operational program suggests that differences significant inconsistent.Implications While our shows improved more consistent could better support management, clear guidelines on how apply their also necessary obtain these benefits.