In recent decades, wildfire size and intensity worldwide have increased significantly alongside rising global temperatures.
Scientific studies using satellite data over the past 20 years show that extreme wildfires have more than doubled in frequency and intensity globally, particularly in northern and temperate forests such as western North America, boreal forests of northern North America and Russia, and parts of Australia. These wildfires have driven significant legal actions as affected parties seek compensation for damages. The economic impact spans sectors including agriculture, forestry, tourism, and infrastructure, compounding financial pressures on communities and insurers and fueling litigation over liability and compensation. This trend is expected to persist or worsen in coming years.
Example of NEXRAD 2-Dimensional Contour Plot.
In legal disputes, a deeper understanding of wildfire smoke dispersion across landscapes aids in identifying whether a specific wildfire caused downrange impacts and to what extent. It also helps determine which fires contributed to those impacts and by how much when multiple wildfires are active in a region.
The Air Sciences Fire Science Team has developed advanced methods to track wildfire smoke and assess impacts. One major application utilizes the National Weather Service’s Next Generation Doppler Weather Radar (NEXRAD) data to monitor smoke plumes at 4- to 7-minute intervals from the wildfire’s origin. Py-ART (Python ARM Radar Toolkit) is used to create detailed time-lapse 2D contour plots and 3D volume plots illustrating smoke movement across the landscape. Additionally, cross-sectional Range-Height Indicator (RHI) plots show plume profiles, revealing smoke and ash concentration distribution at various heights and downwind distances. These tools enable precise smoke dispersion tracking and clarify the extent of downrange smoke impacts. This approach enhances smoke impact assessment and wildfire management decisions.
Example of Range-Height Indicator Plot.
For more information or examples, please contact Dr. Mark Schaaf or Lyndsey DeMarco at Air Sciences Inc. in Portland, Oregon.
