We advised on a project aimed at developing a comprehensive smoke-ready plan for communities at increasing risk of wildfires due to climate change and changing land use patterns. The lead agencies for the project were the EPA and the U.S. Forest Service. The scope of the work was to identify the factors contributing to the development of an effective smoke-ready plan to protect public health. Our expertise and guidance were instrumental in helping the researchers identify vulnerable areas, prioritize mitigation efforts, and create an efficient smoke-ready plan. Our role involved high-level insights that integrated public health, environmental science, and spatial data analysis to tackle these health risks.
We helped the team develop a regional map that detailed wildfire-prone areas and smoke dispersion patterns. We advised the team to collect and analyze extensive data, including air quality measurements, historical wildfire smoke patterns, climate models, and community infrastructure maps. Special consultations were conducted with local public health departments, environmental agencies, and community planners. Additionally, permits were obtained to access air quality monitoring stations and public health records.
We guided the team in developing spatial data maps and tools that illustrated how smoke would impact different areas, focusing on high-risk zones where vulnerable populations were located. These maps were integrated into public-facing digital outreach platforms, enabling communities to visualize their proximity to high-risk areas and understand the recommended mitigation strategies. Delivering an interactive map was a crucial part of this effort, ensuring that stakeholders had a clear view of their regions’ ongoing and future resilience efforts.
The project had a significant impact by identifying high-risk zones, leading to actionable mitigation strategies implemented in the smoke-ready plan. We helped the team integrate diverse data sources, including air quality measurements, health data, and geographic information, into a comprehensive analysis. By ensuring that the platform was accessible to all project partners, we helped the team develop the smoke-ready plan.
We adapted proven methodologies from past projects to the region’s unique conditions, ensuring that the smoke-ready plan was both targeted and effective in addressing the specific challenges posed by wildfire smoke. In addition, we helped the team develop digital maps and interactive tools to educate residents about wildfire risks and promote public health protection strategies. Workshops and outreach programs were conducted to inform communities about the risks of smoke exposure and the importance of mitigation measures, such as staying indoors during high-smoke events and using air purifiers or N95 masks. We ensured that all mitigation strategies were culturally appropriate, considering the region’s specific needs and governance requirements.
The project’s efficient execution in developing a smoke-ready plan provided a valuable model for future risk mitigation efforts. Our attention to regulatory and procedural details and the legal compliance of all public works was crucial in guaranteeing that the smoke-ready plan was implemented smoothly to protect public health.