Resources
Wildfire is a natural part of our forests, but climate change, past land use, and increased development in fire-prone areas have made wildfire seasons longer and more intense. The Colville National Forest manages wildland fire with a focus on safety, forest resilience, and community protection.
Our Fire & Aviation Management Program works year-round to reduce fire risk, respond to active wildfires, and help forests and communities recover.
Tool: Wildfire Risk to Communities is a free, easy-to-use website with interactive maps, charts, and resources to help communities understand, explore, and reduce wildfire risk
Air Quality Resources
Smoke from wildland fire is a significant source of air pollution emanating from National Forest lands. It can pose potential risks to health, visibility, safety, and general nuisance problems. Forest managers, fire managers, and air resource specialists must address these issues when and where appropriate to minimize smoke impacts to public health and welfare.
AirNow
AirNow reports air quality using the official U.S. Air Quality Index (AQI), a color-coded index designed to communicate whether air quality is healthy or unhealthy for you. When you know the AQI in your area, you can take steps to protect your health.
PurpleAir
PurpleAir's online "meeting place" can be used to engage with others, share knowledge and discuss, share or learn about air quality projects.
IQAir
IQAir’s Community Air Quality Monitoring program supports communities to provide the tools, support, and data needed to monitor air pollution and improve public health.
Smoke 101
An often-overheard phrase, "there is no future without smoke," describes fire, and associated smoke, as an ecological process inextricably tied to Western forests. While fire can provide many benefits such as reducing fuels and renewing forests, smoke from fires poses a serious challenge to public health, land managers, and air quality regulators.
Video: How to Prepare for Wildfire Smoke
Research
The Research and Development arm of the Forest Service, a component of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, works at the forefront of science to improve the health and use of our Nation's forests and grasslands. Research has been part of the Forest Service mission since the agency's inception in 1905.