The AirNow Fire and Smoke Map stands as one of the best tools for residents interested in monitoring local air quality while watching for wildfire smoke.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) hosts the AirNow program, and the detailed Fire and Smoke map includes multiple data layers. Users can check air quality (AQ) monitoring stations throughout the country. That includes both the official regulatory AQ monitors maintained by local, state, and federal air agencies, as well as personal information monitors on the Purple Air network. But the map also includes active wildfire events throughout the country and projected smoke plumes.
The EPA, working with the U.S. Forest Service (USFS), recently updated the map, releasing version 4 of the online tool. The new version boasts a cleaner look and feel, while loading more quickly. The map also includes additional data not previously available. This includes:
- Air quality monitoring information on coarse particle pollution and ozone, both of which can increase because of wildfire smoke.
- More information on individual wildland fires, including the type of fire and level of fire activity, when available.
- Information from Purple Air sensors in Canada, in cooperation with Environment and Climate Change Canada.
According to EPA and USFS, the agencies developed the Fire and Smoke Map to provide the public information on fire locations, smoke plumes, near real-time air quality, Smoke Outlooks for large U.S. wildfires, and protective actions to take — all in one place.
The map is also integrated into the AirNow mobile app. You can find that at:
Apple App Store: Apple App
Google Play Store: Google App
